Major event for Glasson

There was a tremendous boost for Glasson Golf Club this week with the news that one of the premier events on the European Challenge Tour will be played there in early August. The Roscommon People can reveal that Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club will be the host venue of the €150,000 Challenge of Ireland presented by Glasson to be played from August 2-5.    The Challenge of Ireland presented by Glasson, is part of the legacy of The 2006 Ryder Cup. After staging the biggest event in world golf, it is important that Ireland maintains its links with The European Tour and provides a platform for the development of the next generation of Irish players on Tour. The 2007 Challenge of Ireland presented by Glasson will provide over 30 aspiring Irish players with the opportunity to play in an international tour event on home soil.     The 2007 Challenge of Ireland presented by Glasson, will feature many of Ireland’s brightest young golfing hopefuls as they attempt to secure their European Tour cards for the 2008 season by finishing in the top 20 in the Challenge Tour Rankings at the end of this year. Local interest will stem from 2003 Walker Cup player Colm Moriarty, who is now the Touring Professional at Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club.    Speaking to The Roscommon People this week Colm Moriarty said that he is really looking forward to the event in August. ‘It’s brilliant to have this major event at my home course. I’m delighted that the club have agreed to hold the event and it will be great to be able to play a major event on home soil.’   Tom Reid, owner and President of Glasson Golf Hotel & Country Club, expressed his delight at having the opportunity to bring such a prestigious golf event to Ireland’s midlands.    He said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to be staging our first European Challenge Tour event this August and we look forward to showcasing what Glasson and the spectacular scenery of the surrounding area have to offer. We would like to thank Horizon Sports Management for securing this opportunity for us, and are very much looking forward to working with the Challenge Tour to ensure that the Challenge of Ireland presented by Glasson, becomes one of the most successful and high profile events on the 2007 Challenge Tour Schedule.’