The European Challenge Tour has secured the inspirational San Domenico Golf Club in Puglia, Italy, to play host to the Apulia San Domenico Grand Final, the ultimate event of the 2005 Challenge Tour season, from October 20-23, where the top 45 players on the Rankings will do battle for the 20 available places on The 2006 European Tour.
Such a prestigious event deserves a prestigious venue, and the San Domenico Golf Club, a fantastic links course by the Adriatic Sea, is an outstanding setting to determine the best of the best from the Challenge Tour’s elite 45 players.
The San Domenico Golf Club lies between the ancient Greek colony of Egnathia, which dates back to the fifth century BC, and the small fishing village of Savelletri.
Designed by European Golf Design, the par 72 course measures 6416 metres and has been constructed to the highest standards, with greens conforming to USGA specifications. As with any true links course, the wind blowing in from the Adriatic will play a huge part in the test presented by San Domenico, and the Challenge Tour players who make it to the Apulia Grand Final are set to discover a wonderfully challenging final hurdle in the race to finish Number One on the 2005 Rankings.
The name ‘Apulia’ in the tournament title is the Puglia region’s former name, and highlights the Roman influence in this wonderful region of southern Italy that is steeped in history and tradition.
Sergio Melpignano, President of the San Domenico Golf Club, said: “I am very proud to host this important tournament at the San Domenico Golf Club. Since the opening in 2003, San Domenico has hosted many important golf tournaments such as The PGA Italian Championship (2003) and The Italian Federation Championship (2004).
“The Apulia San Domenico Grand Final will not only be a great occasion to present the venue, but also this incredible region, full of artistic and cultural resources. Thanks to an international event like the Apulia San Domenico Grand Final, we can introduce our beautiful country and its outstanding tourist resources to both Italian and foreign visitors.
“Puglia offers its visitors an unforgettable experience and superb views of the Adriatic sea as well as the finest hospitality facilities, the best Italian food and many artistic and cultural attractions to provide opportunities for both discovery and relaxation. We are working hard to develop our country and transform it in an alluring resort.”
Alain de Soultrait, Director of the European Challenge Tour, said: “The Challenge Tour is delighted to have secured such a wonderful venue for the Apuglia San Domenico Grand Final. The Grand Final deserves to be played over a great golf course and the San Domenico Golf Club is exactly that. We are sure that this outstanding links course will produce a fitting champion and a thrilling climax to the 2005 season.
“We are indebted to Sergio Melpignano and the Members at San Domenico for the use of their excellent facilities and look forward to visiting the beautiful Puglia region for the final event of the 2005 season. We also thank The Italian Golf Federation and Alessandro Rogato for their support in bringing the Apuglia San Domenico Grand Final to the San Domenico Golf Club.”
For further information, contact:
Communications Division
The European Tour
Tel: +44 (0) 1344 840400
Fax: +44 (0) 1344 840444
Email: media@europeantour.com