The fourth edition of the Irish Challenge will be held at the picturesque Concra Wood Golf Club for the first time, from October 4-7.
The stunning 7,300-yard layout was designed by Ireland golfing legends Christy O’Connor Junior and Senior and is set in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, which is around one hour away from Dublin and Belfast.
Offering lake views from every tee, with Lough Muckno coming into play on 11 of the 18 holes, the spectacular parkland course is set to be a popular choice for all competitors in what is a crucial time in the calendar, with only four tournaments of the 2018 European Challenge Tour season remaining after the Irish event.
Concra Wood Golf Club is also no stranger to championship golf, having hosted the EuroPro Tour between 2012 and 2014, and its par-72 course is set to provide a tough test for some of global golf’s finest young talents later this year.
Home grown players competing in the Irish Challenge will once again battle it out for the Christy O’Connor Junior Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the highest-ranked Irish player in the tournament.
Alain de Soultrait, European Challenge Tour Director, said: “We are thrilled to confirm that the Irish Challenge will take place at Concra Wood Golf Club.
“This golf course is one of Ireland’s hidden gems, which has phenomenal pedigree having been designed by two legends in Christy O’Connor Senior and his nephew Christy O’Connor Junior.
“With breathtaking views of Lough Muckno at almost every hole I have no doubt that all of our members will be blown away when they arrive at this beautiful course.
“We would like to thank everyone at Concra Wood Golf Club for their support in hosting the Irish Challenge.”
Seamus Mallon, Chairman of Concra Wood Golf Club, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Irish Challenge.
“The competitors are in for four days of challenging but very enjoyable golf and we know Concra Wood will provide a stern test.
“To host a Challenge Tour event this year is a great achievement considering our course will celebrate its 10thanniversary in July.
“We have many celebrations and events planned for this year but this certainly is the icing on the cake!”
Pat Finn, CEO of the Golfing Union of Ireland, said: “This tournament is a crucial part of the High Performance Programme run by the Confederation of Golf in Ireland.
Team Ireland Golf's Cormac Sharvin
“Thanks to Sport Ireland’s support, the players from Team Ireland Golf are provided with vital tournament exposure and playing opportunities, not just at their home event but across the Challenge Tour season.
“I’m sure we’ll see in October four days of excellent golf and it’s a chance for golf fans to come and support Ireland’s most talented players on home soil.”
