After a six-year hiatus the English Open was due to return to the European Tour schedule in 2009. A five-year deal with the tour had been agreed, with the tournament being played over the Jack Nicklaus designed Signature Course at the St. Mellion International Resort in Cornwall, initially an alternate event to the PGA Championship, one of professional golf's majors.
The English Open was poised to return to the European Tour schedule after a six-year absence in 2009. A five-year contract had been secured with the tour, and the tournament would be held on the Jack Nicklaus-designed Signature Course at the St. Mellion International Resort in Cornwall, initially as an alternate event to the prestigious PGA Championship.