PGA EuroPro golf event set for Galgorm Castle return

The Ulster Bank PGA EuroPro Open 2012 is the first major professional golf event to be held in the province this year, and the organisers are delighted to welcome Ulster Bank as principal sponsors of this years event.

Stephen Cruise, Head of Branch Banking, Private and Financial Planning, NI at Ulster Bank said: “We are delighted to be the title sponsors at this year’s event.

“With our local golfers performing so well on the world stage this is a great opportunity for people from across Northern Ireland to experience a professional golf tournament on their own doorstep and see the future golf stars of tomorrow in action.”

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.

The course has recently been lengthened to over 6900 yards and the new 13th tee will excite even the most experienced tour player. Players from UK and Ireland and further a field 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.

The previous two years have resulted in an extremely dramatic play-off. Last year saw Chris Hanson and Graeme Clarke battle it out and attracted several thousand spectators crowding around the 18th green to witness Hanson clinch the title.

Galgorm Castle is a firm favourite with the players as the venue aims to provide a European Tournament feel and bring the Northern Irish charm to the forefront.

“I am delighted that the Tour is heading back to Galgorm Castle for the third time” said Danny Nickless, Operations Manager of the PGA EuroPro Tour.

“There is such a buzz at the venue and players often comment on their excitement of the challenge Galgorm Castle offers closely followed by the wonderful Northern Irish hospitality.”

With the golfing world firmly focusing its eyes on Northern Ireland in 2012, Galgorm Castle are very proud to be kicking off the summer of golf and being part of the ni2012 ‘Our Time, Our Place’ campaign, supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

NITB Event Manager Eddie Rowan says “I am delighted that this tournament has engaged with the ni2012 programme of events and am confident that everyone involved can capitalize on the current international focus on Northern Ireland and our golfing offering.

“I welcome this event which in its third year, has grown from strength to strength, helping to showcase Northern Ireland as a great golf destination as well as providing a major boost to the local economy”.

The local economy is expected to greatly benefit from the tournament, with approximately £250,000 to be generated from over 1000 bed nights required as the 156-player field, plus caddies, officials, and spectators descend onto the Ballymena area.

“This event enhances the economy and places Ballymena as an activity destination highlighting the excellent golfing facilities of Galgorm Castle Golf Club and Ballymena Borough Council, and we are proud to be associated with the event” says Councillor Robin Cherry, Deputy Mayor, Ballymena Borough Council.

This year’s EuroPro event offers free entry and free programme including time sheet to the general public offering a fantastic day out for everyone. Tournament organisers will create a Festival of Golf with activities and a tented village on site.

Galgorm Castle’s Christopher Brooke says; “I am delighted the event is back for a third year and all our partners are back on board to support us in 2012.

“This event is not achievable alone and to successfully make the event grow it takes hard work and enthusiasm from everyone involved. Ulster Bank, Ballymena Council and Northern Ireland Tourist Board are very important and valued partners who help to take the event to new heights and we are thankful for all their support.

“Further thanks goes to the George Best Foundation which is a long term partner and close friend of Galgorm. The George Best Foundation raises funds for many ongoing projects to provide children with a better lifestyle through participation in sport. Lexus Belfast, the official car partner is a prestige brand we are proud to have on board.

“Walton Media (Golf Digest Ireland & Golfing Magazine), official media partner have greatly helped to promote the Galgorm brand and we have a wonderful working relationship which has developed over the past two years.

“The event offers the perfect opportunity to showcase the ‘Golfing at Galgorm’ brand which has developed between Galgorm Resort & Spa & Galgorm Castle, “our partner hotel are fabulous to work with and are continually upgrading their already fantastic facilities to offer the best possible experience to visitors. Galgorm Castle will also introduce a garden centre and activity area to the estate in 2013, so it is a very exciting time” says Christopher Brooke.

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

This year’s event takes place from Wednesday, 30th May – Friday, 1st June, 2012. The official practice day is Monday, 28th May before the George Best Invitational Pro-Am serves as the event curtain-raiser on Tuesday, 29th May 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.