Galgorm event aims to boost new generation of Irish golfers

While Irish golf is currently riding on a high with the likes of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, contending week after week on the European Tour, the Challenge Tour, the second tier of European golf and the feeder tour for the main European tour, paints a very different picture.

There, the highest-ranked Irish player Colm Moriarty finished the season at number 123 on the Challenge Tour ranking, where only the top 20 gaining their main tour cards.

While there is a steady flow of top Irish talent coming through at amateur level, the problem arises when they turn professional they rely on a few invites to gain their tour card or else it’s in the mix with the rest.

Galgorm Castle’s General Manager Gary Henry explains: “A Challenge Tour event in Ireland will create the opportunity for these budding stars to play in the Irish event but also to receive invites to play in other Challenge Tour events on the international schedule. This feeds the aspiring touring Professionals in to the system, and gives them a step up on the ladder that other professionals enjoyed. ”.

Galgorm Castle Golf Club is currently working with the European Tour Group, which the Challenge Tour belongs, public and private sector organisations to deliver a Challenge Tour event in 2013 and beyond.

“We are having very positive talks with Alain de Soultrait, Director of Challenge Tour and his team and they are very supportive of our initiative to bring the European Challenge Tour back to Ireland.

“This event will help promote Northern Ireland and the Ballymena area in particular building on the great success of the Irish Open at Royal Portrush,” added Gary.