Organisers of the Acorn Jersey Open 2016 (Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th June) are excited to announce a star-studded professional line up for this year’s summer event. The unique competition format will see 54 top golfers from the European Senior Tour join 54 amateur players in Jersey for the three day event.
This year the Island will play host to 14 ex Ryder Cup players including three Captains. Local golf enthusiasts will be able to spectate for free, throughout the event, and watch the likes of Mark James, Ronan Rafferty, Paul Broadhurst and Sam Torrance, as well as Jersey’s own Ian Woosnam OBE – a previous US Masters Winner and World Number 1 – compete for the prestigious event title. Paul Broadhurst (six European Tour wins and a crucial member of the 1991 Ryder Cup team) and David Gilford (Ryder Cup 1991 and 1995) will be visiting Jersey for the first time, reflecting the strong credentials of the Acorn Jersey Open event.
The event is a sporting highlight in Jersey’s calendar and brings multiple benefits to the Island. The fantastic four day event gives local residents of all ages the chance to play, spectate and/or volunteer. The £200,000 prize fund will once again be contested in a pro-am format, with each professional joined by an amateur partner for three rounds before the professionals play their final round on the Saturday of the tournament.
Commenting on the calibre of players, Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour said: “The European Tour has a long-standing relationship with Jersey that stretches back nearly 40 years to when Brian Huggett MBE won the B.A./Avis Open at La Moye Golf Club in 1978. It is wonderful that we have been able to continue our association with the island on the European Senior Tour, and we are very much looking forward to returning to Jersey for this year’s edition of the Acorn Jersey Open. With the ambience and atmosphere on and around the course, it’s easy to see why the tournament continues to attract such a strong field and we are committed to returning to the island for many years to come.”
Recognising the potential the event holds for showcasing Jersey to an international audience, Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture Senator Lyndon Farnham said: “The Senior Tour showcases the Island as a top class destination for sport and leisure; both to the visiting professionals who come to the Island especially for the event and for those who tune in around the globe to Sky Television coverage. To hear the event has attracted such spectacular golfing talent is fantastic news for the Island and the event organisers.”
For regular updates on the 2016 event, details of volunteering opportunities, the recently launch children’s golf clinic competition and the full professional and celebrity player line-up please visit www.acornjerseyopen.je. Regular updates will also be posted on the Acorn Jersey Open Facebook page.