European Tour to stage mixed gender event in 2020

Major winners Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam are to host a new mixed gender event as part of the 2020 European Tour schedule.

The Scandanavian Mixed will take place in Sweden next June, with 78 male and 78 female players competing at the same event for the same $1.5m prize purse.

Stenson will compete in the event over the next three years, while the European Tour says that Sorenstam, who retired from playing in 2008, will play in the event’s pro-am which takes place before the start of the tournament proper.

The Scandanavian Mixed will see world ranking points on offer for players from both men’s and women’s tours, plus Race to Dubai and Ryder Cup points for European Tour members and Order of Merit points for competitors on the Ladies European Tour.

Stenson said: “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.”

Sorenstam said: “I’m delighted to host the Scandinavian Mixed alongside Henrik in Sweden for the next three years. 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.”