PGA EUROPEAN TOUR:
Costa Rica Open 2006 Pays Posthumous Tribute to Kai Fieberg
The 2006 Costa Rica Open, a co-sanctioned event between the European Challenge Tour and the Tour de las Americas (TLA), has been re-named the ‘Kai Fieberg Costa Rica Open 2006’ as a posthumous tribute to the tournament’s promoter Kai Fieberg, who lost his life in a tragic car accident on January 11, 2006.

Fieberg was a key figure in bringing the Challenge Tour and the TLA together three years ago by staging the first co-sanctioned event between the two tours – the 2003 Costa Rica Open, which paved the way for the Challenge Tour to make its mark in Central and South America and offered the TLA Members the opportunity to make the breakthrough on the European stage.

The Kai Fieberg Costa Rica Open 2006, to be played at the Cariari Country Club from February 9-12 will carry a prize fund of
us$150,000.

As well as having his name attached to the Costa Rica Open, Fieberg has been named posthumously as the tournament’s Honorary President and the ‘Kai Fieberg Foundation’ has been created. The TLA has also decided to create the ‘Kai Fieberg Trophy,’ an award to be presented to the Order of Merit winner starting this season.

TLA Commissioner Henrique Lave said: “For the staff and the players in the Tour de las Americas’ family, the ‘Kai Fieberg Costa Rica Open’ is a great opportunity to celebrate the life of the great friend that has left us. Kai was an inspiring man, full of energy and positive thoughts who left an unforgettable impression on each and every one of us.

“In my opinion, Kai is an irreplaceable friend and business partner. With him gone, I feel obligated to work harder for the TLA to succeed. We dreamt of reaching new heights and benefits for professional golf in Latin America. Just a few days ago my wife told me that he will become our guardian angel and I believe so.”

Alain de Soultrait, Director of the European Challenge Tour, said: “The decision to put Kai’s name to the title of the Costa Rica Open, and the creation of a ‘Kai Fieberg Foundation’ are fitting tributes which I am sure would overwhelm the great man were he still with us today.

“Kai’s foresight and anticipation played a hugely significant role in making the Costa Rica Open the first, full co-sanctioned event between the Tour de las Americas and the Challenge Tour. In our experience, he was consistently one step ahead of the game in terms of the promotion and organization of his events, and his passion for golf made working with him an absolute pleasure.”