European Tour at Moyvalley

Meath golfing enthusiasts have been spoilt over the last few weeks. Not just has the recent spell of glorious weather prompted a mass exodus to the greens and fairways, but international events have taken centre- stage in the north-east. Just a couple of weeks after the wind and rain battered-Irish Open was magnificently hosted by Co Louth Golf Club, Moyvalley"s Champions Club will welcome professionals from all over Europe to the European PGA Challenge of Ireland Tour event. The Champions Club, situated close to Enfield and Longwood on the magnificent Balya Estate is one of the finest courses in Europe and the Darren Clarke-designed layout will be the focus for budding professionals from Ireland and abroad. The European Challenge Tour plays an integral part in the development of many of the world"s top players and from Thursday, 11th to Sunday, 14th June, Moyvalley"s prestigious Champions Club will host the event. 'It promises to be a great event for us, we have worked very hard to offer this tour event such a great venue and everyone can be proud of their efforts,' Moyvalley Director of Golf John Lawler told the Meath Chronicle. Since its inaugural event in 2005, won by Scotland"s Marc Warren, the European Challenge of Ireland tournament has yet to produce a home winner, but this year"s venue does at least carry the signature of one of Ireland"s most famous golfing sons and course designer, Clarke. Together with European Golf Design and the club"s owners, the Jackson family, Clarke helped design the Champions Club at Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort, which he describes as 'a labour of love'. 'Moyvalley"s 550 acres of rolling countryside presented a fantastic challenge and the results are spectacular. I look forward to seeing the course develop into one which golfers across the world will want to play and enjoy,' said the 13-time European tour winner Clarke. 'I"m especially delighted with the greens, which are among the best in the country. We created gentle slopes which will make players think about where to place their approach shots, especially when the greens are fast, or in windy conditions. 'As a Champions Club member, it is our intention to roll out this club as one of the premium clubs in world golf.' The 7,370 yards, par 72 course will present the Challenge Tour members with a stern examination. 'We are honoured to be chosen to stage the Challenge of Ireland presented by Moyvalley, which we hope will attract a quality field of some of the game"s brightest young talents,' said club owner Stuart Jackson. 'We are extremely proud of the course we have created, in partnership with Darren Clarke, and I"m confident it will provide a fitting stage and become a popular venue on the Challenge Tour.' The Champions Club is an experience to be savoured. The perfectly manicured fairways and greens are supplemented by the well-appointed and potentially hazardous water features and fescue grass that lines most fairways. The course is a challenging proposition for most amateur players, but there is also a huge sense of enjoyment upon completion. There are many signature holes and every one offers a different challenge. From the opening 385-yard par four teaser to the mid-course superb par four 10th and the magnificent finish at the par five 18th, the course is littered with jewels. After an enthralling four to five hours, golfers can retreat to the clubhouse. As part of the Champions Club at Moyvalley, the 19th Century Balya House has been restored to include 10 luxurious bedrooms, beautiful reception rooms and a cellar bar. Also on-site is the superb contemporary four-star Moyvalley Hotel complete with the Waterways restaurant and Sundial Bar. Moyvalley have offered very attractive membership options for this spectacular facility. The Golf resort is open for green fees and society booking. There is also annual membership packages available for €2000. For further information visit www.moyvalley.com or telephone (046) 9548000.