Former Ryder Cup course to host new US PGA event

2009-08-06

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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, West Virginia (AFP) - A six-year deal announced on Wednesday by the US PGA Tour will see a new event at the historic Greenbrier resort replace the now-defunct Buick Open in the tournament lineup.

The Greenbrier Classic will begin in 2010 and conclude on August 1, taking the date vacated on Tuesday when Buick dropped its sponsorship.

Greenbrier hosted the 1979 Ryder Cup and the 1994 Solheim Cup team events.

"We are absolutely delighted," US PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem. "From our ongoing discussions with (resort owner) Jim Justice, I can tell you how totally committed he is to creating an exceptional tournament befitting such an historic resort."

Tiger Woods won the final Buick Open title last Sunday and dominated at Torrey Pines, the course near San Diego where the Buick Invitational was staged and where he won last year's US Open.

"As far as San Diego, it's unfortunate," Woods said. "Buick is right now not part of the schedule. Maybe they might get it turned around, but it's unfortunate that has happened and so many people have lost their jobs."