The Swiss Challenge Presented by Swiss Golf begins at Golf Sempachersee this week and we’ve taken a look at five things you need to know ahead of the event.
Wire-to-wire winner
Marcel Schneider marked the beginning of an excellent season on Swiss soil when he went wire-to-wire at the 2018 Swiss Challenge. The German posted a stunning eight under par 63 on day one to take a two-stroke lead into the following day, where he carded a seven under 64 to extend his advantage to three.
A round of 68 followed on the third day which meant he took a five-stroke lead into the final round where a four under 67 secured a six-shot victory and a first European Challenge Tour triumph. He missed out on a second Swiss victory of the year at the Rolex Trophy later in the season, finishing runner-up to Kim Koivu, who secured automatic graduation to the European Tour with his third win of the season.
15th anniversary
This year will be the 15th edition of the event, with the first staging taking place in 2000 at GC Patrizale Ascona where Alvaro Salto triumphed on 16 under par. Englishman Peter Baker won the first of two Swiss Challenge crowns in 2007, the second of which came in 2009. Other Swiss Challenge Champions include Alessandro Tadini (2010), Benjamin Hebert (2011), Victor Riu (2013) and Ryder Cup star Rafa Cabrera Bello, who won at Wylihof Golf Club in 2008.
Hole-in-one prizes
Added incentives will be available for players on holes eight and 16 this week, with prizes on offer for the first player to ace the respective par threes.
The 208-yard par three eighth, which played as the second-hardest hole with only 35 birdies last year, will have an Audi SUV-Coupe Q8 on offer for the first player to record a hole-in-one this year. After players have navigated the following seven holes, they will have the chance to win an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra watch on the par three 16th.
Picturesque setting
Golf Sempachersee, the venue for this week’s Swiss Challenge, is one of the most picturesque locations on the Challenge Tour International Schedule. The golf club is situated on a plateau above the Sempacher Lake and offers stunning views of the snow-capped Alps. Just a short drive from the beautiful town of Lucerne, Golf Sempachersee is one of the most sought-after venues in Switzerland.
Long stretch
This week’s Swiss Challenge Presented by Swiss Golf marks the beginning of eight consecutive weeks on the road for Challenge Tour players. Competitors have enjoyed a week off either side of the D+D REAL Czech Challenge, the preceding tournament to this week, but it will not be until the final week of July when players get a break in the schedule.
From Switzerland, players will make the relatively short trip to France for the Hauts de France – Pas de Calais Golf Open before travelling to Spain for the Andalucía – Costa del Sol Match Play. Trips to Italy, Slovakia, France again and finally Austria follow before a week of recuperation arrives ahead of another seven-week stretch on the road.
