Volopa Irish Challenge Launched

The European Challenge Tour’s return to the Republic of Ireland, for the second year in succession, for the Volopa Irish Challenge hosted by Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, was officially launched on Tuesday, August 23.

The tournament, which takes place from September 8–11, will mark the return of this prestigious event to the stunning Christy O’Connor Jnr-designed Championship course at Mount Wolseley - located one hour from Dublin – which will again host this major professional event under the auspices of the European Tour.

The late Christy O’Connor Jnr, whose two-iron shot at the 18th hole of The Belfry on the way to Europe retaining The 1989 Ryder Cup is regarded as one of the greatest shots in the tournament’s long history, will be fondly remembered.  As honoured Ambassador to the event last year, Christy said: “Mount Wolseley is truly one of my proudest creations as a course designer so I am thrilled that it will play host to some of Ireland, Europe and the world’s most promising young stars for such a prestigious event.”

The idyllic and lush parkland course is sure to test every facet of the players’ games while also providing plentiful enjoyment for hugely talented golfers who travel the globe and play on some of the best courses in the world.

The Challenge Tour provides the perfect opportunity for players turning professional to make their mark in the paid ranks, and many of the world’s finest players have chosen to begin their professional careers on Europe’s top developmental tour, including Martin Kaymer, Brooks Koepka, Olympic Champion Justin Rose and Open Champion Henrik Stenson.

The very best of Ireland’s most promising young players will be teeing it up at Mount Wolseley as they take on the finest young players from across the globe. With few opportunities left until the end of the season, the tournament represents one of the last chances for the players to ensure they finish the season in the top 15 of the Road to Oman Rankings and thereby earn graduation to the European Tour and the chance to fulfil lifelong ambitions.

Working in partnership with the Confederation of Golf in Ireland and Sport Ireland, Tetrarch Capital, the owners of Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa & Golf Resort, committed to host the Volopa Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley over three consecutive years from 2015 - 2017, establishing this stunning Resort as a firm favourite for this prestigious event. 

Redmond O’Donoghue, Chairman of the Confederation of Golf in Ireland (CGI), said

"The CGI and Sport Ireland are delighted to be associated with the Volopa Irish Challenge hosted by Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, which will provide Team Ireland players with vital tournament exposure and opportunities to gain full playing rights on the Challenge and European Tours.

“Securing Tour starts for up and coming professional golfers is a crucial cog in the CGI's High Performance Programme, which aims to build on the excellent High Performance Programmes

for amateur players administered by the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies Golf Union.

“I'd like to express my gratitude to Sport Ireland for their continued support, both in expertise and funding, of Team Ireland Golf.”

John Treacy, CEO Sport Ireland, said:

“Playing in tournaments such as this is of huge benefit to the Irish golfers as they look to further their careers as professionals. I am delighted that Sport Ireland’s support of the Irish Challenge at Mount Wolseley will help give Ireland’s up and coming golf talent the opportunity to play on home soil against Europe’s top emerging players.”

Alain de Soultrait, European Challenge Tour Director, said:

“It is fantastic news that the Challenge Tour will return to Mount Wolseley for the second year in succession. Ireland has produced numerous world-class golfers and possesses many of the finest golf courses on the planet. Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is a fittingly stunning venue and I know how much all the players enjoyed the experience last year and are looking forward to returning.

“A lot of hard work has gone into making this tournament happen and we extend our sincere thanks to Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort and Tetrarch Capital for backing this event, as well as the CGI and Sport Ireland for their passion and vision in giving Ireland’s up and coming golf stars a chance to make that crucial breakthrough in professional golf. We look forward to another great week in Carlow.”

Kate Harrison, Resort Manager at Mount Wolseley, said:

“Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is one of Ireland’s finest destination resorts. The Management Team at Mount Wolseley is thrilled that we can bring such a prestigious professional golf event of international stature to our famous Christy O’Connor Jnr-designed Championship course over three consecutive years.  We are really looking forward again to showcasing our wonderful Resort and our renowned hospitality to Europe’s next generation of young golfers and to the large visitor numbers we expect for the event.”

Michael McElligott, Chief Executive of Tetrarch Capital, said:

“The Challenge Tour players delighted in the test that our Championship course at Mount Wolseley presented last year and can look forward to a fantastic event again this year.  All players and visitors will experience another warm welcome at Mount Wolseley Resort, which was rewarded the Best Golf Resort in Leinster at the Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards 2013. A tournament like this does not happen overnight and we must thank the CGI and Sport Ireland for putting their weight behind this event, we look forward to working closely with the Challenge Tour through our hosting of this very exciting tournament this year and again in 2017.”

Details on ticketing and hospitality will be available on http://www.mountwolseley.ie/ .