Iconic Ryder Cup venue to host SkyCaddie PGA Pro-Captain Challenge

03/08/2020

Competitors in this year’s final of the popular SkyCaddie PGA Pro-Captain Challenge will tackle one of golf’s most iconic courses and four-time Ryder Cup stage, the Brabazon at The Belfry.

The final was originally due to take place at the PGA National Italy but the coronavirus pandemic has caused it to be relocated to The Belfry, the home of the PGA National England.

Contested in mid-October, the final will be the culmination of a tournament once again sponsored by SkyCaddie, a PGA Partner for 14 years.

The last three of those have seen the company sponsor the PGA Pro-Captain Challenge and the decision to continue in a particularly challenging year is evidence of its ongoing support for PGA Professionals.

In addition, SkyCaddie devices are in demand with players on the Staysure Tour and competitors in the seven qualifying rounds and final of the PGA Pro-Captain Challenge will be offered free use of a SkyCaddie SX400 that will come loaded with the day’s pins.

The final, which carries a £22,000 prize fund, will be contested by 14 pairs comprising a PGA Professional and their club captain.

They will have booked their places in the showpiece event at the four-star resort near Birmingham by being the two leading pairs in qualifying tournaments staged in The PGA’s seven regions.

Contested over 36-holes, the final will begin on October 13 with a round on the PGA National and reach its climax a day later on the Brabazon, the course made famous by the exploits of Seve Ballesteros, Christy O’Connor Junior, Sam Torrance, and Paul McGinley in the Ryder Cup.

The biennial match between Europe and the USA was first staged there in 1985 and Ballesteros set the tone with a three-wood to the heart of the green on the par-four 10^th to light the blue touch paper for a home victory.

A plaque by the tee commemorates the achievement; similarly one on the 18^th fairway marks O’Connor’s two-iron over the water that went a long way towards ensuring Europe retained the trophy four years later.

Commenting on moving the event to The Belfry, Charles Hine, PGA head of national tournaments, said: “I am delighted The Belfry will be hosting the rescheduled final, a venue which carries great pedigree and history.

“Captains and pros alike will get to follow in the footsteps of Ryder Cup stars and we look forward to welcoming those finalists in October.

“We would also like to acknowledge SkyCaddie’s continuing support in this most difficult of seasons – support which is typical of their longstanding relationships with PGA pros.”

James Holmes, SkyCaddie general manager UK and Europe, added: “The Belfry is a world-class venue, which always guarantees drama.

“And in this year of all years, we are prouder than ever to stand shoulder-to-shoulder or, more accurately, two metres apart with PGA Professionals as we continue our long association with the men and women who are at the true heart of golf.”

As well as the Ryder Cup, The Belfry has hosted several European Tour events and is due to stage the IPSA Handa UK Championship at the end of this month.

Now it is possible to enter the tournament and try to earn the chance to follow in the stars’ footsteps. For more information on qualifying dates and to enter, please click here