Have you ever wondered how the best men and women golfers in the world would do if pitted against one another on the same course? That question will be answered next year at the Scandinavian Mixed, a joint European and Ladies European Tour event to be played in June in Sweden.
Announced on Monday, the Scandanavian Mixed will feature 78 men and 78 women at Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Stockholm from June 11-14, 2020.
Adding star power to the proceedings, Sweden’s two most famous golfers, Henrik Stenson and Annika Sörenstam will host the event with Stenson committing to play in the event each of the first three years.
“I’m extremely excited to host the Scandinavian Mixed alongside Annika, one of the best golfers the world has seen, and to have men and women competing alongside one another showcases what is great about our game,” said Stenson said in the release. “The European Tour has been leading the way in terms of innovative formats and I believe this is certainly one that can be part of the way golf is played in the future.
“Making our game accessible to everyone is something I am extremely passionate about having worked with Fanny Sunesson for a number of years hosting the Stenson Sunesson Junior Challenge, as well as promoting Paragolf in Sweden through the Henrik Stenson Foundation, so I am delighted to have this new event for both male and female professional golfers in Sweden.”
?? A mixed event
? One prize fund
⛳ The same golf course
? Competing for one trophy#ScandinavianMixed— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) October 14, 2019
The event will feature a purse of just under $1.7 million and count towards Official World Ranking points for both Tours, Race to Dubai and Ryder Cup points for European Tour members, and Order of Merit points for the Ladies European Tour.
“I’m delighted to host the Scandinavian Mixed alongside Henrik in Sweden for the next three years,” Sörenstam said. “Bringing women and men together in a combined tournament is exciting for fans in Sweden and for the global game as we continue to showcase golf is a game for everyone.”
Both Tour’s leaders commented as well.
“This is a pivotal moment for European golf,” acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ladies European Tour Alexandra Armas said. “This new tournament in Sweden will be an innovative and inclusive new offering which will elevate our sport to the next level and advance gender balance, ultimately showing that golf is a game for all.”
“Inclusivity and innovation are two of our key pillars and we are delighted to have global stars in Henrik and Annika leading the way as hosts of the Scandinavian Mixed in their home country of Sweden as we continue to drive golf further,” Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour Keith Pelley said. “We have been in close collaboration with the women’s game in recent years, not only on the European Tour, but also across the European Challenge Tour and Staysure Tour with events held in Northern Ireland and Jordan. This tournament is the next step for male and female golfers to compete together on one course, for one prize fund, and one trophy.”
