Four of the best regarded courses in France have come together to provide the foundation for the 2009 Cote d’Opale International Pro-Am - one of the most prestigious pro-ams in Europe.
Hardelot, Le Touquet Mer, Belle Dune and Wimereux, situated in the Pas de Calais region, will present an impressive challenge for professionals and amateurs alike when they gather to take part in the international tournament from April 22-25.
First staged in 1993 on France‘s Opale Coast, the event attracts more than 100 teams from countries including France, England, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Scandinavia, with each team composed of a professional and three amateurs.
The pro-am boasts a total prize fund of more than 50,000 euros this year - with a 3,000 euro first prize for the top professional and each pro guaranteed a cheque for at least 550 euros in the 72-hole strokeplay championship.
And there is still time for teams across the UK to enter, with the entry fee 670 euros per player which covers all golf including a practice round, entertainment and prizes for the top gross and nett scores, both daily and aggregate, throughout the four-day competition.
Tournament director Christophe Cantegrel, from specialist golf event organisers Golf First, said: “This is our 16th year and the tournament keeps on growing. People travel from all over Europe to play on some of the finest courses France has to offer.
“All the professionals enjoy it because the 72-hole format is like a European Tour event and they get to travel with many dedicated club members. Golf is always the winner.”
Situated in pine forest, Hardelot was designed by Tom Simpson in 1906 and is regarded as one of the top courses in Europe, while Le Touquet’s Mer course was originally created by the legendary Harry Colt and has hosted the French Open six times during its illustrious history.
Belle Dune only opened in 1992 but has already forged a reputation as one of the finest lay-outs in France while Wimereux is a Scottish-style links course offering views over the English Channel and lies only 30 minutes from Calais.
And the quality of the venues is matched off the course with a special Golf Village on hand to help golfers relax after their rounds and a list of sponsors including Callaway, Volvo, Air Mauritius, Toshiba and Guerlain already having signed up to the pro-am.
Amateurs in the event will play off three-quarter handicaps with a maximum handicap of 24 and each day will culminate with a cocktail party with drinks and regional tastings for the prize-giving ceremony, which takes place at The Palais de l'Europe in Le Touquet.
Accommodation is available at a variety of different hotels around Le Touquet ranging from two to four-star, and companies interested in buying a team entry can take advantage of the business package, with 4,500-euro fee entitling them to four nights' stay at a four-star hotel, a VIP welcome, goody bags and champagne in bedrooms as well as all golf.
French TV channel Sport + has already committed to providing coverage of the event and Kent clubs Littlestone and Langley Park will lead the UK’s bid for honours in April in a tournament Cantegrel believes will appeal to golfers all over the UK.
Cantegrel added: “We want more UK golf teams to come and experience the brilliant atmosphere and ambience of this tournament.
“It is our plan to involve more UK teams because of the ease of travel in these current economic times and it’s just great to play with pros and amateurs from all over Europe as well.”
For more information on the 2009 Cote d’Opale International Pro-Am and how to enter, please visit www.proamcotedopale.com .
For further details on Golf First, phone + 33 1 46 47 45 64 or log on to www.golf-first.fr
No comments:
Post a Comment