Golf-London Golf Club to host European Open

By Tony Jimenez

LONDON, Feb 18 (Reuters) - The European Open will return to England for the first time since 1994 when the July tournament is staged at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Heritage course at the London Golf Club.

"We are delighted to return to the UK in 2008 and to an outstanding venue," European Tour chief executive George O'Grady said in a news release on Monday.

"Our members always enjoy visiting new locations and the London Golf Club will provide an enjoyable and demanding examination."

Situated close to Brands Hatch in north Kent, the London Golf Club boasts two outstanding courses in the Heritage and the International.

Eight-times European number one Colin Montgomerie will defend the title he won at the K Club in Ireland when the European Open is held from July 3-6.

The K Club has hosted the event for the past 13 years.

(Editing by Alan Baldwin)