The future of the Volvo World Matchplay Championship is secure, so to is the Volvo China Open.

The only doubt is the new Volvo Champions event in Bahrain won earlier this year by England’s Paul Casey.

Volvo’s Per Ericsson confirmed the Volvo World Match-Play and the Volvo China Open will continue to be regular fixtures on the European Tour Race to Dubai schedule.

Volvo's Per Ericsson with new Volvo China Open champion, Nicolas Colsaerts (Pic Thanks to European Tour).

Having been absent last year, the Volvo World Match-Play will continue in its May time slot each year from now on.

The same can also be said for the new Volvo Golf Champions event which was played this year in Bahrain, shortly before the country was affected by civil unrest.

Ericsson confirmed the company’s pleasure with the tournament but said the host country and venue was still to be confirmed. Ericsson will travel to Bahrain next week to meet with officials and discuss the country’s future involvement.

But then golf is not the only sport under a cloud in Bahran with organizers of the Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix, which was cancelled due to the troubles, having until May 1st to confirm whether they will re-schedule the race for later this year.

One option which has been discussed with the Volvo Golf Champions is to move the event around the world, playing in a different region each year.

With a February slot on the schedule one thing is for sure, “It won’t be played in Europe,” said Ericsson.