The Challenge Tour will return to the Czech Republic after a four-year absence when the inaugural D+D Real Czech Challenge Open takes place from 11-14 October at Golf & Spa Resort Kunětická Hora.
Designed by 14-time European Tour champion Graham Marsh, Golf & Spa Resort Kunětická Hora is located in Pardubice, approximately 95 kilometres east of the capital city Prague.
Spread over 140 acres, the 6,871 yards (6,283 metres), par 72 course – which takes its name from the nearby Kunětická Hora castle – is one of the longest in the Czech Republic.
The last time the Challenge Tour visited the Czech Republic was in 2008, when Englishman Seve Benson – this year’s Barclays Kenya Open champion – won the Ypsilon Golf Challenge presented by Alex Cejka.
Previously, the KB Golf Challenge ran from 1992 to 1998, when European Tour champion Stephen Gallacher of Scotland opened with a round of 63 en route to taking the title.
Petr Dědek, President of the tournament sponsors DD Real and Owner of tournament promoters Realmost, said: “We are pleased that, after several years, we are able to welcome the Challenge Tour back to the Czech Republic for the D+D Real Czech Challenge Open. I am sure that the highly demanding course at Golf & Spa Resort Kunětická Hora will deliver a superb tournament and that the resort will be fully equipped to welcome some of Europe’s best young golfers.
“The D+D Real Czech Challenge Open is a very important tournament for the Czech Republic’s golfing fans and for the country’s young professionals, who will get the chance to test themselves in a highly competitive tournament. As well as producing some great golf, the tournament will also be a social event. We hope that the second week in October will witness a feast of golf in theCzechRepublic.”
Jan Šaravec, President of Golf & Spa Resort Kunětická Hora, said: “We feel glad and indeed honoured to have the opportunity to host a Challenge Tour event here at Golf & Spa Resort Kunětická Hora. It is a very exciting opportunity for us, and we will do our best to showcase our beautiful country and wonderful venue. We sincerely hope that all the players, as well as the Challenge Tour officials, will appreciate the challenging course, the beautiful clubhouse and the restaurant, hotel and spa.”
Alain de Soultrait, Director of the Challenge Tour, said: “We are delighted to be returning to theCzech Republic, a country we have visited many times in the past and where we always receive a very warm welcome. It is great news that the tournament will run for at least the next three years, and we look forward to working closely with the promoters and sponsors, DD Real, in staging this tournament on a highly challenging golf course.
“With Lukas Tintera playing on the Challenge Tour this year and several Czech players competing in the tournament, there will be plenty of local interest for the spectators in October.”
Golf & Spa Resort Kunětická Hora www.grkh.cz/en
European Tour www.europeantour.com