Spitfire is official beer of European Open

Shepherd Neame's Spitfire ale is to be the official beer of the European Open golf tournament to be held at the London Golf Club near Brands Hatch, Kent, from 3 to 6 July.

A dedicated Spitfire bar decorated with examples of Spitfire's popular tongue-in-cheek advertisements will serve 4.5% abv Spitfire on draught throughout the tournament and Spitfire banners will appear on tees.

Japanese lager Asahi Super Dry, brewed on licence in the UK by Shepherd Neame in Faversham, Kent will also be available at bars during the tournament.

Shepherd Neame marketing director Graeme Craig said: "Shepherd Neame spends £500,000 a year supporting sport at grassroots, club and county level.

"This is Kent's biggest sporting event of the year and we are delighted to welcome Europe's best golfers to the home of one of Britain's most distinctive beers."

It is the first time the European Open has been held in England since 1994 and the first time it has been held in Kent.

Colin Montgomery will be defending his title after winning last year's event at the K Club in Ireland.