Mazda Named Presenting Sponsor of Karnten Golf Open

Golf’s Challenge Tour has confirmed that Mazda has become presenting sponsor of the Kärnten Golf Open, an event which is supported by European Tour champion Markus Brier’s Foundation.

The Kärnten Golf Open presented by Mazda will return to Golf Club Klagenfurt-Seltenheim in Klagenfurt, Austria, from June 2-5, 2011.

Günther Kerle, CEO of Mazda Austria, said: “We are delighted to upgrade our involvement to the level of presenting sponsor as we have enjoyed two unbelievable years as a partner of this event, with Martin winning a Mazda CX-7 both years with a hole in one.”

Alain de Soultrait, Director of the Challenge Tour, stated: “It is tremendous news to welcome Mazda as title sponsors, as it shows the strength of this tournament and the Challenge Tour in general that we are able to attract such big international companies. This tournament has grown in stature over the past two years, thanks in no small part to the involvement of Markus Brier, a long-time supporter of the Tour, and I’m sure with Mazda’s sponsorship the event will continue to prosper in the coming years.”

In addition, a multi-year agreement has also been reached between Mazda Austria and tournament promoters Ticon Sports and Austrian Florian Praegant, who is currently eighth in the Challenge Tour Rankings.

Peter Hofstätter, owner of Ticon Sports, added: “We are very pleased to announce this agreement, which will see Florian drive a Mazda and wear the logo on his shirt. We are delighted Mazda will build on the foundations laid by the Markus Brier Foundation, the presenting partner for the first two years on the event. Markus has played in both editions and helped us immensely in developing this tournament, so we should also thank him for all his efforts.”