Top class tournament golf is returning to the Watford area after the European Tour announced next year’s British Masters is to be played at The Grove.

The tournament is to be hosted by Luke Donald and he has selected the Chandler’s Cross complex as the venue for the event, which will take place from October 13 to 16.

The only other occasion The Grove has staged a European Tour event was in 2006 when Tiger Woods stormed to a World Golf Championship victory.

“I’m very delighted to say we are going to The Grove, which of course hosted a WGC back in 2006," Donald told the European Tour website. “I was lucky enough to be able to play that event and I’m excited we are going back there. It is a world class facility, a great hotel and I think all the players will really enjoy playing the golf course. 

“The Grove is a parkland course, and it has some elevation changes. It is always presented in great condition. It has a really nice variety of some longer holes, and some drivable par fours. I think it will also be a fun course for the spectators, so it will be a great venue for the 2016 British Masters supported by Sky Sports.”

Following a seven-year absence from the European Tour schedule, the British Masters returned earlier this month when Matthew Fitzpatrick clinched victory at Woburn in the event hosted by Ian Poulter.

“Ian did a fantastic job at Woburn,” said Hemel Hempstead-born Donald, who finished in a share of fifth place at Woburn. “It was nice to see this tournament come back and have some life. We had great crowds, great support and obviously a big thanks to Sky Sports for helping to make it a big success all round. 

“We knew the British Masters would get great crowds. The British people love coming out and supporting their events and supporting the British players. It was a fun and successful week. 

“Woburn was a tremendous venue and Ian did a brilliant job as the ambassador. It’s my turn next and I will be looking forward to coming back and hopefully having even more success and bringing even more people to this amazing tournament.”

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “We were delighted with the success of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports on its return to The Race to Dubai, and in Luke Donald we have another terrific ambassador to take on the role of tournament host in 2016. 

“Ian Poulter did such a wonderful job at Woburn, attracting outstanding crowds and working with The European Tour and Sky Sports to help engage a new audience, and we are very fortunate to have a former World Number One in Luke to now take on the baton at The Grove, which I am certain will be another magnificent venue for this prestigious tournament.”  

Chris Andrews, director of Ralph Trustees Limited, owners of The Grove, said: “We had the honour of hosting The European Tour back in 2006 and remember well how popular and accessible the event proved to be. We are delighted, ten years on, to have an opportunity to play our part in re-establishing the British Masters as a truly global event, as befits its heritage.

The Grove's general manager Michael Helling added: “Kyle Phillips designed this course to be enjoyed by players and spectators alike and we, together with Luke Donald, look forward to welcoming you all next year.”