European Tour takes back courses brand

The European Tour will again own and operate The PGA European Tour Courses brand following a deal with Irish businessman Denis O'Brien.  

The agreement will see the European Tour take control of the current network of licensed international venues, acquired by O'Brien in 2001. 

O'Brien will continue to own and develop Quinta do Lago in Portugal, PGA Golf de Catalunya in Spain and Kungsängen in Sweden, though they will remain as PGA ETC licensed venues.

David MacLaren, Chief Executive of PGA European Tour Courses, will join the European Tour as Director of Property and Venue Development. 

George O'Grady, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: "This is an important announcement early in the New Year, following  the unveiling of The Race to Dubai and our partnership with Leisurecorp, and it will add further impetus to move the Tour forward and expand our capital base.

"The Tour is now well positioned to develop a portfolio of venues that can cope with the demands of present day tournaments.”

European Tour Courses runs venues in Germany, Norway, Finland and Estonia as well as the Paul McGInley designed Macreddin Golf Club in Wicklow.