The 2017 Bridgestone Challenge will be staged at the magnificent Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa on September 7 – 10, 2017 with the pre-event Pro Am taking place on September 6.
This will be the second staging of the Bridgestone Challenge, but the first time a European Challenge Tour tournament will be played at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa.
Last season Belgium’s Thomas Detry romped to a remarkable 12 shot victory in the English event, breaking a number of Challenge Tour scoring records to claim his maiden professional title in style.
The 24 year old, who matched the joint lowest under par score in Challenge Tour history after reaching 29 under par, went on to finish third in his first start as a European Tour player, and looks destined for greatness.
Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is a luxurious five star hotel that boasts a championship golf course and spectacular spa set in more than 1,000 acres of stunning parkland and gardens, which is within half an hour of London’s King’s Cross Station.
Matthew Long, General Manager at Luton Hoo said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 2017 Bridgestone Challenge this September. Golf is an important part of the hotel and we are proud to be part of this year’s European Challenge Tour schedule. The entire team at Luton Hoo are excited about the prospect of seeing our Championship golf course on the international stage and hosting the future stars of world golf.”
Bridgestone Tyres will continue to be the title sponsor of the event, along with their continued involvement in the British Masters.
Farrell Dolan, Bridgestone’s north region consumer sales and marketing director, said: “We have identified huge potential from the world of golf and are extremely excited to be continuing our series of sponsorships covering such a broad range of the sport.
“We also feel that the core values that underpin golf are synonymous with our own, most notably that of respect, integrity and excellence.”
Alain de Soultrait, Challenge Tour Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to partner with Bridgestone again in 2017 and are excited to build on the success of last year’s event; we are also very pleased to welcome Luton Hoo Hotel Golf and Spa on to the Challenge Tour schedule.
“The Challenge Tour is the best path for young players looking to make their way in the professional game, and we have seen many great English players come through our ranks.
“Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose and Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter are both former Challenge Tour stars, while Tommy Fleetwood, Andrew Johnston and Jordan Smith have all finished top of our Rankings in recent years.
“The commitment Bridgestone are showing to encourage the growth of the game in England will hopefully lead to similar success stories in future years and there is no better place for talented youngsters to come and be inspired than the Bridgestone Challenge in September.”
Jeremy Robinson, Director of Blackstar Sporting Events, who stage the event, is delighted that the Bridgestone Challenge will be heading to this grand venue, and is excited to be working with Matthew Long and his team at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa.
“I would like to thank Bridgestone for their continued support and patronage,” he said. “I would also like to thank our partners England Golf, who continue to back the event, and promote the Bridgestone Challenge to affiliated golf clubs in the area.”
