Concra Wood GC is ready to roll out the red carpet for some of the brightest young golfing talent in Europe.

The ambitious Castleblayney club has joined Cork’s Fota Island and Ballymena’s Galgorm Castle and signed a deal to host a PGA Europro Tour Event from July 9-13.

“The course was only opened in July 2008 but has very quickly gained a very strong reputation,” said Head Professional Conor McKenna.

“We are blessed with stunning views of Lough Muckno from every point on the course and our perfect location is only one hour from Belfast and Dublin. We look forward to welcoming the players and know that Concra Wood will offer a real test.”

The golf course at Concra Wood was designed by two of Ireland’s golfing legends, Christy O’Connor Junior and Senior. Measuring over 7,300 yards off the back tees, the course plays to a par of 72. European Tour professional, Simon Thornton, holds the course record, a 68 set in 2010 at an Irish PGA Sprint event.

Club Captain, Noel Gorman said; “I am delighted that the club will be hosting this event on what is undoubtedly one the finest championship golf courses on the island of Ireland. Concra Wood was ranked the 38th best course in the Ireland by Golf Digest and was recently named by the Golfers Guide to Ireland as their Hidden Gem of Ulster in 2012.”

Paul Shortt, Chairman, Concra Wood Golf & Country Club PLC added, “I can’t think of a better combination of a world class golf tournament with a world class course. There is no doubt that Concra Wood will prove itself as the highlight of the tour with it’s unique design and stunning surroundings.”

The PGA Europro Tour is a partnership between The Professional Golfers’ Association and Matchroom Sport. It has become one of the leading tours in Europe and is the only officially recognised golf developmental tour in the UK.

The backing and support of the PGA is pivotal to its success as players strive to progress from the PGA Europro to Challenge Tour and full European Tour.

The 2010 Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen is one of the tour’s greatest success stories.
Oosthuizen made his PGA Europro Tour debut in 2002, building his confidence and skills for two years.

Ryder Cup star Ross Fisher, 2008 Irish Open winner, Richard Finch and Scottish World Cup winner Marc Warren have all used the PGA EuroPro Tour as a launchpad to European Tour success.

There are 168 players in each tournament, which are three day events, usually preceded by a one, or two-day pro-am’s, all organised by the extremely professional team at the PGA.

In 2012 there will be up to 15 PGA Europro Tournaments staged at venues around UK and Ireland - all televised on Sky Television.

“Work has already started on making this a first class tournament,” added Conor McKenna.

“The club members are looking forward to the event, particularly the pro-am, and local businesses are also getting behind it. We really want to turn it into an enjoyable experience for everyone, the players, officials and fans.”