The European Challenge Tour’s return for the second year in succession, for the Volopa Irish Challenge hosted by Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, was officially launched
The tournament, which takes place from September 8–11, will mark the return of this prestigious event to the stunning Christy O’Connor Jnr-designed Championship course at Mount Wolseley - located one hour from Dublin – which will again host this major professional event under the auspices of the European Tour.
The late Christy O’Connor Jnr, whose two-iron shot at the 18th hole of The Belfry on the way to Europe retaining The 1989 Ryder Cup is regarded as one of the greatest shots in the tournament’s long history, will be fondly remembered.
As a honoured Ambassador to the event last year, Christy said: “Mount Wolseley is truly one of my proudest creations as a course designer so I am thrilled that it will play host to some of Ireland, Europe and the world’s most promising young stars for such a prestigious event.”
The idyllic and lush parkland course is sure to test every facet of the players’ games while also providing plentiful enjoyment for hugely talented golfers who travel the globe and play on some of the best courses in the world.
The Challenge Tour provides the perfect opportunity for players turning professional to make their mark in the paid ranks, and many of the world’s finest players have chosen to begin their professional careers on Europe’s top developmental tour, including Martin Kaymer, Brooks Koepka, Olympic Champion Justin Rose and Open Championship winner Henrik Stenson.
The very best of Ireland’s most promising young players will be teeing it up at Mount Wolseley as they take on the finest young players from across the globe. With few opportunities left until the end of the season, the tournament represents one of the last chances for the players to ensure they finish the season in the top 15 of the Road to Oman Rankings and thereby earn graduation to the European Tour and the chance to fulfill lifelong ambitions.
Working in partnership with the Confederation of Golf in Ireland and Sport Ireland, Tetrarch Capital, the owners of Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, committed to host the Volopa Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley over three consecutive years from 2015 - 2017, establishing this stunning Resort as a firm favourite for this prestigious event.
Alain de Soultrait, European Challenge Tour Director, said: “It is fantastic news that the Challenge Tour will return to Mount Wolseley for the second year in succession. Ireland has produced numerous world-class golfers and possesses many of the finest golf courses on the planet.
"Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is a fittingly stunning venue and I know how much all the players enjoyed the experience last year and are looking forward to returning.
“A lot of hard work has gone into making this tournament happen and we extend our sincere thanks to Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort and Tetrarch Capital for backing this event, as well as the CGI and Sport Ireland for their passion and vision in giving Ireland’s up and coming golf stars a chance to make that crucial breakthrough in professional golf. We look forward to another great week in Carlow.”
