Chinese Group HNA Becomes Open De France Title Sponsor, Raises Prize Money To $7M

With the “blessing of the European Tour,” Chinese conglomerate HNA has partnered with the Open de France and will “boost its prize money” in ‘17 to close to $7M, according to Laurent Louet of LE FIGARO. Since the announcement of its principal sponsor (Alstom) withdrawing, the men’s Open de France’s future has “drawn major concerns.” After “reflecting on the urgency of the situation, the European Tour decided to get involved.” European Tour CEO Keith Pelley signed the agreement with HNA, which will become the title sponsor of the Open de France starting in ’17, “in a three-year deal.” It “allows the tournament to considerably raise its prize money,” to close to $7M. The amount is “currently without equal in European tournaments” (LE FIGARO, 11/8).