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European Tour hopefuls join Celtic Pro Tour Championship

Posted by Big G under Latest Golf News, Mens Pro Golf

Players are signing up for the Celtic Pro Tour Championship at St Pierre as practice for the European Tour qualifying competition next month.

Welshman Ryan Thomas (Aberdare) and Scotland’s Paul Doherty (vale-hotel.com) have both made it the second stage of qualifying for the European Tour and will use the Celtic Pro Tour’s season finale as a vital warm-up.

“We have had to adjust our end-of-season schedule because of the knock-on effect of the poor summer weather, but the timing of the Tour Championship is now ideal for players involved in the European Tour qualifying,” said Celtic Pro Tour director Rhydian Thomas.

“We’re expecting several others to follow Ryan and Paul’s lead, and with a healthy entry already, it should be a very competitive tournament.”

The Championship takes place on Monday to Wednesday October 27-29, when 2007 winner Matthew Griffiths (Oakdale) will be back to defend his title.

Because several Tour events were cancelled this year, either because of the weather or because of a clash with rescheduled PGA events, the Tour has withdrawn its rule that the Tour Championship is only open to players who competed in at least one regular-season event.

The move is expected to boost the entry for the event, which last year attracted significant TV coverage.

Before then, the Tour stages the rearranged West Wales Classic at Ashburnham next Monday and Tuesday (October 20-21), when Matthew Dearden (vale-hotel.com) will defend his title.

Details of the remaining Celtic Pro Tour events are:

Mon October 20 and Tues 21 - West Wales Classic at Ashburnham (36 holes)

Tee Times from 10.30am on Day 1 and from 12pm on Day 2

Entry Fee £149 for professionals, £99 for amateurs (scratch or better)

At least £1,000 to the winner, top 25% will be paid

Mon October 27, Tues 28 and Weds 29 - Tour Championship at St Pierre (54 holes)

Tee Times from 8am on all three days

Entry Fee £199, £149 for amateurs (scratch or better)

At least £2,500 to the winner, top 25% will be paid

Players interested in entering either event should email  info@celticpro.co.uk or contat Tour Director, Rhydian Thomas on 07861 686568 or visit the website at www (dot) celticpro (dot) com

Spectators are welcome at Celtic Pro Tour events, and admission is free.