The European Challenge Tour will visit Álava in Spain’s Basque region for the first time in 14 years as Izki Golf Club plays host to the Challenge de España in September.
The Seve Ballesteros-designed course has twice held Challenge Tour events, with Fredrik Widmark victorious on the first occasion in 2002 and Martin Erlandsson triumphant one year later.
The announcement of Izki Golf Club as the venue for this year’s tournament comes with the added good news of an increase to the prizefund for the event as the players will compete for a share of €200,000.
The tournament comes at a crucial juncture in the season, with just four tournaments following it and the competition for places in the top 15 of the Road to Oman Rankings really heating up.
It will be the Challenge Tour’s second visit to Spain of 2017 following the Andalucía Costa del Sol Match Play 9, where Aaron Rai took his second win of the season.
Jaime Salaverri, vice president of the Royal Spanish Golf Federation, said: “The participation of the Spanish Federation as promoter and sponsor of this important event emphasises our commitment to supporting the young upcoming professionals from Spain and other federations in Europe.”
Alain de Soultrait, Challenge Tour Director, said: “We are delighted to return to such a beautiful environment at Izki Golf Club, where we have great memories.
“We would like to thank the Royal Spanish Golf Federation for their continuous support of the Challenge Tour over the years and wish all a great week in Álava.”
