As successor of the European Grand Masters which are held at various locations in the Netherlands in 1995, 1996 and 2000, the Doeland Grand Masters appear on the calendar in 2001. The tournament is sponsored from 2001 to 2004 by the chain of DIY stores before in 2005 a one-year cooperation with Leendesk secures the tournament. From 2007 Hotel Zuiderduin, who have hosted the tournament since 2001 become the main sponsor. The tournament is very popular with players and officials because they are looked after so exceptionally well. However, the tournament has got great difficulties in getting big national TV channels to broadcast their tournament. In 2007 they make a deal with the regional TV station North Holland. The tournament has traditionally had a first round group phase, and then from the second round on it is knockout. Because the tournament is played in Holland and every year the organisers have a few wildcards to give, there are many Dutch names in the draws. Jelle Klaasen and Christian Kist for example, made their TV debut on this stage in Egmond aan Zee. However, there is only one Dutchman who wins the tournament, Raymond van Barneveld winning three times in 2001, 2003 and 2004.