Friday, July 11, 2014

National Azerbaijan Golf Club to Host European Challenge Tour Event

Troon's championship credentials recognized by the game’s leading tours as its venues continue to host prestigious events

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing has strengthened its championship credentials with the announcement that The National Azerbaijan Golf Club has been selected to host an exciting addition to the 2014 European Challenge Tour Schedule. The first golf facility in this emerging golf destination will host the inaugural Azerbaijan Challenge Open July 31 – August 3, 2014. Surpassing all expectations, in only the club’s first full year of operation, the announcement by the European Tour emphasizes the award-winning service and professionalism the Troon mark represents, readily acknowledging its ability to deliver world-class events.

Pioneering golf within the country, The National Azerbaijan Golf Club is forging the foundations for sustainable golf developments in the all-new destination. The purpose built championship 18-hole venue, located in Quba in the north-west of Azerbaijan, includes exceptional levels of golf course conditioning synonymous with Troon, and is complimented by extensive practice facilities and clubhouse with a wide array of amenities. The event, which takes place as the Challenge Tour’s season is in full swing, will give the team led by PGA Professional and General Manager, Philip Henderson, the perfect opportunity to firmly place Azerbaijan on the golfing map.

Henderson commented on the announcement, “We are extremely excited to welcome the Challenge Tour to Azerbaijan, the course is in superb condition and we are certain the exciting talent on show will enjoy the course in the first staging of the event here.”

Since its inception, the National Azerbaijan Golf Club has worked closely with the fledgling governing body, the Azerbaijan Golf Federation. Its President, Anar Z. Mammadov, recently commented on the announcement on how its first course has been selected to host a European Challenge Tour event, “Golf is new to Azerbaijan. We hope to popularize it at all levels through the European Challenge Tour event, which is extremely important for our country. We are sure that the players will enjoy the golf course, as well as the tourism attractions and that the ‘Land of Fire’ will be one of the brightest events in Challenge Tour history.”

Troon's surging global portfolio includes facilities in some of the world's most unique terrains and climates across 28 countries. The inaugural Azerbaijan Challenge Open adds to several other high-profile events held at Troon venues in 2014, including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the NH Collection Open at La Reserva de Sotogrande Club and the Challenge De Catalunya at Lumine Golf Club in Spain. The facility located on Spain’s, Costa Daurada is no stranger to leading events, in addition to hosting the Challenge Tour in April, LUMINE has also played host to the Nordea Tour’s inaugural overseas Winter Series. Lumine’s busy year will continue in to the winter months, as it, along with fellow Spanish property Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, will both host the world’s aspiring professional golfers as they take part in the European Tour Qualifying Stage Two this November.

 “This is a fantastic year for Troon properties and these tournaments are a testament to the ability of our associates to deliver world-class events,” commented Bruce Glasco, senior vice president and managing director, Troon international operations. “There is no doubt this is the perfect platform for the Azerbaijan Challenge Open to be a great success. We are confident this event will usher in an exciting era for golf within the country and lead to this event becoming a regular fixture in its golfing calendar and the European Challenge Tour’s.”

It is a similar story for Troon in other parts of the word including the Americas, with the PGA Tour making regular callings at its venues. Kapalua, set in Maui, Hawaii, hosts the first tournament of the New Year with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. The Ocean Club in the Bahamas hosts the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic while the Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in New Jersey has also been the regular home of the Shoprite LPGA Classic. Silverado Resort, Napa, CA, co-owned by golfing legend, Johnny Miller, will host the Frys.com Open which represents the official start to the PGA Tour season and marks the return of the PGA Tour to the property. In Panama, Buenaventura Golf Club recently hosted the Lexus Panama Classic, its first ever tour event which forms part of the PGA TOUR Latin America. And in Australia, Brookwater Golf & Country Club hosts the Isuzu Queensland Open Championship, a staple on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

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