SUTTON COLDFIELD (England), Jan 13: The European Tour will return to the Belfry, which hosted Europe’s Ryder Cup win over the US in 2002, when the Midlands course stages the British Masters later this year.

Holder Thomas Bjorn, world number 18 Darren Clarke and Volvo Masters champion Paul McGinley have already confirmed their entries for the May 11-14 tournament which carries a prize fund of 1.8 million pounds ($3.18 million).

“The Belfry is synonymous with many of the great things that have happened to European golf over the last two decades, so it is fitting that once again it is hosting one of our top tournaments,” Clarke said in a statement on Thursday.

The Ryder Cup has been staged at the Belfry four times.

“The Belfry is renowned for top quality golf and there is bound to be plenty on offer next May,” said McGinley.

Irishman McGinley holed the winning putt for Europe at the 2002 Ryder Cup.

The 2005 British Masters was played at the nearby Forest of Arden and the decision to take this year’s tournament to the Belfry is an integral part of a new three-year sponsorship deal with insurance company Quinn Direct.—Reuters