Europe seems to imitate Vic Open success

The Vic Open has risen enormously since 2013. Image: Getty

It started with the ISPS Handa Vic Open, with its mixed gender and equal prize money.

Now everyone wants to copy and build on the successful format of one of & # 39; the world's fastest growing tournaments.

The European Tour and the Ladies European Tour have announced a new format for the Scandinavian Masters for 2020 with a mixed men's and women's field, organized by the Swedish icons Annika Sorenstam and Henrik Stenson.

For the first time, men and women will compete against each other for the same trophy in a 72-hole strokeplay tournament with world rankings and on-line rankings known as the Scandinavian Mixed. It will be worth 1.5 million euros and will be played at the Bro Hof Slott Golf Club in Stockholm, Sweden.

"I am very excited to welcome the Scandinavian Mixed alongside Annika, one of the best golfers in the world," said Stenson. "To let men and women compete side by side shows what is great about our game.

"The European Tour is at the forefront when it comes to innovative formats, and I believe this is certainly a way that can be part of the way golf is played in the future."

Stenson is planning to play in the event. Sorenstam, who has withdrawn from tournament play, will participate in pro-am events.

"This mixed tournament is another way to bring our game to the younger generation in Sweden and to those who watch the world," Sorenstam said.

The couple is committed to hosting tasks for three years.

The Vic Open was first played as a mixed event in Spring Valley and Woodlands in 2012, and has grown considerably since it moved to 13th Beach in 2013.

Last year the total prize pool was $ 3 million – $ 1.5 million for each gender – and the men's tournament was co-sanctioned by the European Tour, while the women's event was part of the LPGA Tour.

Europe has been relocating to this area for quite some time, with not only the Vic Open in 2019 but the Jordan Mixed Open on secondary tours this year, and a team event with both male and female teams and mixed teams, as well as the Trophee Hassan event .