Spitfire ale has been named the official beer of this week's European Open Golf Tournament as part of the brewery's £500,000 annual investment in local sports clubs.

The competition is being held at The London Golf Club, which is close to the Shepherd Neame brewery in Kent.

"This is the first time we have been involved with such a large scale sporting event," said marketing director Graeme Craig. "It is an opportunity to showcase a local hero product to a global audience."

A Spitfire bar will serve the beer, and the Spitfire logo will feature on golf tees.

"We are delighted to welcome Europe's best golfers and the world press to the home of one of Britain's most distinctive beers," said Craig.

With the lack of a home nation in the Euro 2008 championships this year, golf tournaments have been a popular choice for drinks brands. Magners signed up for a second year of sponsorship with The Golf Union of Wales earlier this year and London Pride was the official beer of The HSBC World Match Play Championship at the end of last year.

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