Golfers throughout the British Isles are being given a unique opportunity to play for their countries and at the same time help grow the game at junior level.
The Four Nations Golf Challenge, potentially the most exciting pairs competition for amateur club golfers ever devised, offers the mouth-watering prize of a “Ryder Cup” style finale on one of Europe’s most challenging courses.
Open to men and ladies, The Four Nations Golf Challenge will culminate in a Grand Final to be contested by four teams of 12 players representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales at The Oxfordshire Golf Club in the Chiltern Hills from 17-20 October 2010.
To earn their chance to represent the Champion Golf Nation of the Year, a pair will need to win a maximum of four four-ball, better-ball matches, starting in May, in regional brackets consisting of 16 pairs each. If necessary, depending on the number of entries, a one-day final qualifying event will be held in September to decide which six pairs will represent their country in the Grand Final.
Roger Brady, Director of organisers Concierge Golf, said: “Even though several national knock-out competitions for amateur golfers take place each year, there are none, as far as we are aware, that offer the chance of an ‘international team’ appearance to club golfers of all standards.”
The cost of entry is £40 per pair, with entries contributing to the Golf Foundation, the charity which nurtures the game at junior level throughout the British Isles.
Golf Foundation Chief Executive, Mike Round, said: “The Four Nations Golf Challenge is not only an attractive and stimulating amateur golf tournament, but is helping to generate revenue for the Golf Foundation. By supporting this unique event, all clubs and members will help to raise much needed funds for ‘grass roots’ golf.”
Roger Brady added: “We are delighted to have the Golf Foundation as an associate partner and to support the work they do promoting the sporting and social development of children and young people through golf.”
The Oxfordshire, a spectacular rolling layout designed by Rees Jones and owned by the Leaderboard Group which also includes Chart Hills, Dale Hill and Sandford Springs, is about to open its own four-star hotel where every participant will stay free of charge throughout the Grand Final.
Having hosted many professional tournaments, including the Benson & Hedges International Open on the European Tour from 1996-99, The Oxfordshire will provide a proven setting for club golfers to experience the passion and thrill of playing for their countries for the first time.
Entries are open to every golfer with a CONGU ‘active’ handicap and will close on 30 April, 2010.
Four Nations Golf Challenge www.fournationsgolfchallenge.co.uk