The Imperial Collection Russian Open was first played in 1996 but it became a part of the European Tour in 2003. Earlier, it was part of the Challenge Tour, which is the second tier tour in Europe. From 2003, it became a co-sanctioned event of both the tours and from 2006 it has become part of the European Tour only. It is the only tournament on the tour's schedule which is held in Eastern Europe. Till 2005 the total prize money at this meet was only $500,000 which is meager compared to other events. In 2006 it has been doubled to $ 1 million. Over the years its name has been changed a number of times.
Russian Open (1996)
Sovereign Russian Open (1997)
Moscow Country Club Russian Open (1998)
BMW Russian Open (1999-2004)
Cadillac Russian Open (2005)
Imperial Collection Russian Open (2006- )
Alejandro Canizares won the 2006 Imperial Collection Russian Open beating David Drysdale by four strokes. He received the winner's cheque of €1,30,641.
Past Winners
As the Imperial Collection Russian Open is held in the same week as the PGA Championship, it does not attract a strong field. Moreover the very low prize money is also a deterrent for the top players. Here is a list of players who have won here since it became part of the European Tour .
Alejandro Canizares 2006
Mikael Lundberg 2005
Gary Emerson 2004
Fraser Marcus 2003
The Imperial Collection Russian Open is one of the small tournaments on the tour. As we continue on this tour we will learn about the other tournaments in the European Tour .
