GOLF: The Darren Clarke designed Moyvalley resort in Kildare will host this year's Challenge of Ireland event on the European Challenge Tour. Not only is this welcome news for the fledgling Irish golf venue but also the Challenge Tour, who can replace another TBC (to be confirmed) from their events schedule.
Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort will host the fifth Challenge of Ireland event from June 11-14 after Glasson Golf and Country Club in Athlone staged the event for the last two years. Previously the event was known as the Ireland Ryder Cup Challenge – in the lead up to the Ryder Cup at the K-Club in 2006 – and was played at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in 2005 and 2006.
“Moyvalley’s 550 acres of rolling countryside presented a fantastic challenge, and the results are spectacular,” said Clarke. “I look forward to seeing the course develop into one which golfers across the world will want to play and enjoy.”
Last year’s event at Glasson was won by Australian Andrew Tampion, who picked up the €24,000 winner’s cheque. Lurgan’s Gareth Shaw was leading Irishman in a tie for fourth.
Today’s announcement is welcome news for the Irish event but seven of the 29 events on this year’s Challenge Tour schedule still have the TBC acronym attached.
