James Hepworth wins play-off to be crowned 2010 Northern Ireland PGA EuroPro Open Champion.
Galgorm Castle Golf Club is pleased to announce the PGA EuroPro Tour will be returning to the Ballymena venue once more, ensuring the 2011 event will be the most high profile professional event to be staged in Northern Ireland.
After the phenomenal success of the inaugural event in 2010, Galgorm Castle can confirm the 2011 PGA EuroPro event will take place from June 27th-July 1st and promises to be the province’s standout tournament of the year where the stars of the future will battle it out over the championship parkland.
In 2010, a combination of excellent weather, high quality golf and a dramatic finish ensured big crowds spilled through the gates at Galgorm Castle.
England’s James Hepworth eventually won at the first play-off hole when up against Australia’s Daniel Gaunt to secure his full playing rights on the European Challenge Tour. Gaunt went on to win his main European Tour card and recently bettered Tiger Woods at the Australian Masters - where they finished third and fourth respectively.
The international event will be a welcome boost for the local economy, attracting visitors to the province from far and wide. Galgorm Castle, Galgorm Resort & Spa and the general Ballymena area will be placed in the global shop window and recognised as one of Ireland’s great golfing destinations.
The George Best Foundation will be involved through the pro-am and gala dinner to raise funds for its many ongoing projects to help provide children with a better lifestyle through participation in sport.
"Galgorm Castle is delighted to welcome the PGA EuroPro Tour back to Northern Ireland. After the wonderful success enjoyed in 2010, we hope to build on the success and add even more to the event in 2011," explains Gary Henry, General Manager Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
"We aim to make 2011 bigger and better and much more than just a golf event. We’ll create a wonderful festival atmosphere; bringing our fantastic town centre on board, house a larger tented village with more varied and interesting stands plus many other activities to appeal to all the family.”
“This is a natural progression with the recent launch of our 'Golfing at Galgorm' product. The PGA EuroPro event is the ideal platform to showcase what Galgorm has to offer,” added Henry.
‘Golfing at Galgorm’ offers the ultimate play and stay experience by combining two unique locations to create a truly bespoke luxury golfing product. Play the championship course at Galgorm Castle, situated within the estate grounds of one of Ireland's most historic castles, and stay at the four-star Galgorm Resort & Spa where you can rediscover relaxation in a true haven of tranquillity and luxury.
Golf in Northern Ireland is currently riding on the crest of a wave with US Open champion Graeme McDowell enjoying a standout year. He and Rory McIlroy helped Europe to victory in the Ryder Cup, while Darren Clarke was an integral cog at Celtic Manor as one of the vice-captains.
The 2011 PGA EuroPro event at Galgorm is just another ingredient to play its part in the ongoing success of golf in Northern Ireland.
