MasterCard Worldwide was previously the presenting sponsor of the Championship from 2000-2004. From 2004, MasterCard Worldwide has been associated with the event as a championship patron.
It is now graduating back to the level of presenting sponsor, the company says, at a time when some of the biggest stars of European golf are about to reach their 50th birthdays.
Among the new names that will be eligible to play in the Championship at Troon are three Major-winning Ryder Cup Captains in Bernhard Langer of Germany, Hal Sutton of the United States and Ian Woosnam of Wales, in addition to 1985 Open and 1988 Masters champion Sandy Lyle of Scotland.
“This event provides the perfect platform upon which to promote MasterCard’s products and payment brands such as Pay Pass, Maestro, MasterCard debit and credit cards,” said Alan Heuer, Chief Operating Officer of MasterCard Worldwide.
Tom Watson, a MasterCard Worldwide Ambassador, will defend the title at Troon having recently captured his third Senior Open title.
