Time to Shine for Many

With all the headlines and attention focused on the United States Open, and the majority of European’s top stars across the pond to play in it as well, the European Tour will quietly go about it’s business this week with the playing of the Aa St Omer Open in the little town of Omer in northern France.

Despite the lack of star power, the event is still generating a good buzz due to the fact the tournament is enjoying it’s new found status as a regular on the European Tour International Schedule. Prior to last year, the event was played on the European Challenge Tour, which is much like the Nationwide Tour in America.

And because of the absence of many top players that are playing in the U.S. Open, the field will be comprised of both regular tour members and those still grinding it out on the Challenge Tour. Any money won at this event will count toward the money ranking on each tour.

Frenchmen Sebastian Delagrange, who won the first second edition of the Aa St Omer Open on the Challenge Tour in 2001, is teeing it up again in front of the home country supporters, as are about 12 other Frenchmen.

Australian Brett Rumford took home the trophy last year in wire-to-wire fashion and with it earned a one year membership onto the European Tour. He will not be back to defend his crown.