EURO-PRO GOLF AT GALGORM

Building on the highly successful staging of the inaugural event in 2010 - when England’s James Hepworth won from a dramatic play-off with Australia’s Daniel Gaunt - the 2011 championship promises to be even bigger and better.

The championship course at Galgorm Castle is rated as one of the finest parklands in the country and will once more test the leading professionals on the PGA EuroPro to their limits. Players from Ireland and the UK, plus across Europe and beyond will tee it up in the 54-hole strokeplay event where a prize pot of £40,000 is on offer with £10,000 going to the winner.

“I am delighted the PGA EuroPro Tour is returning to Galgorm this year,” explained Christopher Brooke, Galgorm Castle. “It is a reward to everyone involved in 2010 who made it such a success.

“We are now focusing on making 2011 an even better event as it’s a great opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to see a top professional golf tournament on their doorstep and to promote the ‘Golfing at Galgorm’ experience to an international audience.”

Galgorm Castle has been working closely with their partners at the prestigious Galgorm Resort & Spa, and with significant investment from both parties, has created the “ultimate golfing destination in Ireland” certain to cater for every golfers’ need.

Aside from championship golf on the par 72 layout, Galgorm provides a golf academy, complete with state-or-the-art driving range and fully stocked pro shop and award winning bar and restaurant at the clubhouse. Galgorm Resort & Spa recently invested £2million to upgrade their function suites and renowned Gillies Bar.

Further projects at the Galgorm Castle estate include; a new garden centre within the walled garden of the ancient castle plus family activity areas, while the established business units also bring welcome economic benefits to the Ballymena area.

This year’s EuroPro event offers free entry to the general public and spectator numbers are expected to exceed last year for the only high profile professional golf tournament to be held in the province this year.

Based on figures from last year the local economy is expected to benefit in the region of £250,000 with over 1000 bed nights required as the 156-player player field, plus caddies, officials and spectators arrive to the Ballymena area.

Tournament organisers will create a Festival of Golf atmosphere as they work closely with retailers in Ballymena’s bustling town centre, renowned for its shopping. Why not take in some high quality golf at Galgorm in the morning before a spot of shopping after lunch. Galgorm Castle will also have a tented village, housing many different related interests and activities during tournament week.

The tournament will be broadcast on Sky Sports, who in turn ensure coverage reaches over 50 countries through established sports channels such as ESPN, Star TV Asia and The Golf Channel in the United States.

This year’s event takes place from Wednesday, June 29th – Friday, July 1st, 2011. The official practice day is Monday, June 27th before the George Best Invitational Pro-Am serves as the event curtain-raiser on Tuesday, June 28th after which the Gala Dinner and Charity Auction will take place at the Galgorm Resort & Spa. To book your team in the Pro-Am please contact Galgorm Castle.