The European Tour have been so impressed by the Club's staging of European Opens that they are becoming more linked with the venue.

Executive director George O'Grady announced today: "It's spearheading our future property strategy and will become a European Tour Destination.

"This is part of our new strategy of being on really big championship courses that have development potential and are acceptable to our membership.

"If there have been any complaints on the golf course at all they have not come to my ears. And we're looking for similar opportunities in other parts of Europe."

In association with Dubai-based Leisurecorp, the Tour's biggest financial backers, prize money in the European Open this year was cut from nearly £2.4million to £1.8million.

"It's really important for the European Tour that in troubled times you've got tough partners who stick with you and who believe in the dream of the European Open and where it goes," O'Grady added.

"To drop the prize money was a realistic decision. We've kept the European Open going and £1.8million in this economy I don't think you have too much to apologise for.

"We didn't have the money (to retain the previous level). We're not living on egos, we're living in reality."

A decision will be made in the next few weeks whether the tournament stays at the club next season. Leisurecorp own Turnberry in Scotland, where The Open is being held next month, and may want to showcase that again.