European Open comes back to Kent

Fisher hit a course record 63 in the first round in 2008

The European Open is to return to the London Golf Club, near Brands Hatch, in 2009 for the second successive year.

England's Ross Fisher will defend his title at the Jack Nicklaus-designed course from 28-31 May.

The event returned to England in 2008 for the first time in 14 years and more than 57,000 people turned out to watch some of the world's best players.

Club chairman Charles Fairweather said: "Everyone is delighted that the venue has once again been chosen."

He added: "We were immensely pleased by the reaction of Europe's finest golfers to both the course and the facilities on offer and we look forward to an equally successful tournament in 2009."

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said: "Selecting the London Golf Club to host this prestigious event for the second consecutive year demonstrates our absolute confidence in the quality of facilities on and off the course."