8/12/2015

Lowry Might Become Cup Tied

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The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational next year will not be sanctioned by the European Tour as it clashes with the Open de France.

The Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone, which is usually held in August, is being moved forward in 2016 by more than five weeks to accommodate golf’s return to the Olympics in Rio.

The WGC tournament will now be played between June 30 and July 3, the same date as the French Open which is one of the oldest national championships in European golf.

In a statement, the European Tour said: "The Alstom Open de France is the oldest national open championship in continental Europe and has been a fixture on the European Tour International Schedule since the Tour's formation in 1972.

"Furthermore, next year's tournament at Le Golf National will be the 100th staging of the event.

"Withdrawing the sanction means that the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational will not be part of the 2016 European Tour International Schedule, nor will money won in it count towards the Race to Dubai or for Ryder Cup points."

This year’s Bridgestone event was won by Shane Lowry, although a number of European Ryder Cup hopefuls may have to rethink their schedule next summer depending on their qualifying ranking at the time.

Keith Pelley, chief executive officer of the European Tour, said: “The Albatros Course at Le Golf National is currently undergoing renovation to prepare not only for next year’s landmark tournament but also for the staging of the Ryder Cup in 2018.

“We are confident that next year’s event, with an increased prize fund alongside the current renovations to the golf course, will properly reflect the importance of the tournament alongside the 100th anniversary celebrations.”


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