International golf will return to Suffolk next year following the success of the inaugural Weston Homes PGA International Seniors.
The PGA and title sponsors Weston Homes announced that the tournament will be back at the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa following the end of this year's event, which has seen 78 of the European Seniors Tour top players contest a £175,000 prize pot over the Gainsborough Course.
The event, which was won by England's Nick Job, has attracted a stellar field including former Ryder Cup stars Costantino Rocca, Eamonn Darcy and Gordon J Brand.
Given its success Weston Homes plc chairman Robert Weston was keen to support the event for a second successive year as he looks to build on the tournament's very encouraging debut.
"Following the exceptional success of the Weston Homes PGA International Seniors, I'm pleased to announce that we will continue our support which will see the return of the tournament next year," said Mr Weston.
"We are keen to further our strong and successful relationship with the PGA and look forward to returning to Stoke by Nayland, who have provided a magnificent venue and superb course, for the 2009 tournament."
Weston Homes are a keen backer of sport and have had a strong relationship with golf in the PGA East Region. They further boosted their profile this year by becoming the main sponsors of Football League One side Colchester United.
Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA, welcomed Weston Homes' continued support of one of the PGA's major events on the tournament schedule.
"I am delighted that the tournament has been an overwhelming success and that Weston Homes will continue to support the event next year," said Mr Jones.
"We have strong ties with the Seniors Tour and many of its players, who forged their early careers with us.
"I know they particularly enjoy playing Stoke by Nayland as it offers a fair challenge and provides some of the best greens on the European Seniors Tour.
"We have enjoyed a strong relationship with Stoke by Nayland and I am happy to see that continue."
Susanna Rendall, managing director of the Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf Club and Spa, said: "We've been delighted with the success of the tournament and welcome Weston Homes' decision to back the event next year.
"We have enhanced our facilities to the tune of £4.5 million over the past year, which have been well received by all who have played and attended the event.
"We look forward to seeing them in 2009."