The PGA EuroPro Tour is delighted to announce that the Tour Championship will be taking place in Northern Ireland’s majestic Lough Erne Golf Resort. Following the conclusion of the season-ending event, that will be played across the 19th – 21st October, five PGA EuroPro Tour members will progress to the next step and earn their Challenge Tour card after 15 gruelling competitions.
Closing out the season is the intimidating and demanding Faldo Course, which was designed by the six-time major championship victor and Ryder Cup icon, Sir Nick Faldo, and opened this side of the millennium, in 2009.
Tour CEO, Daniel Godding, is elated to finally showcase the beautiful Lough Erne to a global audience: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking the tour to the incredible venue that is Lough Erne. One of the UK’s most outstanding and best courses, Lough Erne will be an experience that will test and excite our members. I am certain the best player will come out on top that week.”
Barry McCauley, Golf Operations Manager at Lough Erne, is ecstatic to be hosting the conclusion of the 2022 EuroPro Tour season: “I am delighted that Lough Erne Resort will play host venue to the EuroPro Tour Championship in October, where some of the finest golf professionals from across Europe will compete in this prestigious event. This is a historic moment for Lough Erne Resort, as it’s the first time we will have hosted a week-long professional tournament on the Faldo Course.
“Our entire team is very excited to work on this project with the EuroPro Tour and I have no doubt it will bring a great atmosphere not just to the Resort, but for the Fermanagh Lakelands area as a whole. Hosting this event will also showcase our fantastic facilities on a global stage which coincides with our mission of being one of the premier golf destinations across GB and Ireland.”
The Course
There are 36 holes of golfing magic at the beautiful Lough Erne Resort, but the Tour Championship will be played across its prized asset: the Faldo Course. Measuring 7,071 yards from the tips, it can be deemed as a lengthier challenge but the intelligent use of water ensures accuracy will be held in high regard. A dominating feature of the Faldo layout are the otherworldly, spectacular views accessed throughout the routing.
The true-rolling and pristine greens are another standout at Lough Erne, as they have received widespread acclaim from amateurs and professionals alike – including Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, who have all experienced the charm of Faldo’s creativity. Each hole has been issued a unique name, which has been carefully selected dependent on its location on the course. The final par-3, labelled ‘Cygnets Rest’, will demand complete composure from the players, as they’ll be striking to a green that screams danger.
With sand lining the left and water patiently awaiting any errant shots to the right, the players will want to save their best shot of the day for the final question of their mentality. There are also a collection of wonderful par-4s, with both the 2nd and 10th holes already catching the eye of tour members.
‘Forest Drive’, the second hole of Faldo’s monstrous layout, doglegs right from the edge of the Lough and will require pinpoint accuracy if the professionals are hoping for a clear line into the green. The 10th, ‘Emarald Isle’, will also be a nerve-wracking moment; approach shots will be directed to a target that is extended over water.
Two par-5s are also worthy of mention and the 637-yard 9th will require three shots from the entirety of the field, as they eventually plot their way onto a narrow and angled green. The final par-5 on the course is ‘Faldo Turn’, and it will likely be one of the last opportunities that players will get to score.
Ranging 565 yards from the tips, there will be a select few golfers who may make the green in two but the beautiful view across the expansive estate is a real benefit to enjoying the 16th’s unadulterated magnificence.
About Lough Erne Resort
Lough Erne is nestled peacefully on a 600-acre peninsula and has previously been awarded Hotel of the Year, after becoming Northern Ireland’s first 5-star AA and NITB resort upon inception. With more than 120 rooms and suites available, they are at the forefront of Northern Irish golf and offer an experience that is rarely matched elsewhere. Through a collection of 36 holes in the form of two championship golf courses, the resort’s overall appeal is significantly strengthened through their industry-leading golf facilities and services.
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