New Turkish European Tour event announced

The European Tour, the Turkish Golf Federation and International Sports Management have announced the inaugural Turkish Open as the penultimate event on the 2013 European Tour schedule.

The 78-man tournament will precede the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and take place from November 7-10 at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Belek, Antayla.

The $7 million event will be fully sanctioned by the European Tour over the coming three years, with details on tournament eligibility to be announced at a later stage.

The announcement was made by European Tour Chief Operating Officer Keith Waters during the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final, an eight-man medal matchplay tournament featuring Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

"We would like to thank the Turkish Golf Federation and International Sports Management for their co-operation in delivering this new event," he said.

"Turkey is one of the fastest developing golf nations in the world and the Turkish Open will further enhance the country's golfing credentials."

Ahmet Ali Agaoglu, President of the Turkish Golf Federation, said: "I am very honoured to make this announcement and be able to bring a top-class European Tour event to Turkey.

"We believe Turkey is the best golfing destination in Europe and one that deserves such a world class event."

The Montgomerie Maxx Royal - a par-72, 6484 meter golf course - was designed by 2010 Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, in conjunction with European Golf Design, and opened in 2008.

Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler, Managing Director of International Sports Management, added: "This is just a great move for Turkey, and to be able to announce a three-year deal for a $7 million tournament is a very rare thing these days."