Galgorm Castle Golf Club has announced 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 27 June – 1 July 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.
Galgorm Castle Golf Club www.galgormcastle.com