Bridgestone Challenge Comes to Luton Hoo Hotel

Following its successful debut in 2016, this year's second staging of the Bridgestone Challenge will be held at the stunning Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa on September 7-10, with the pre-tournament Pro-Am take place on September 6th.

Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa is a luxurious 5 star hotel that boasts a championship golf course and magnificent spa set in over 1,000 acres of stunning parkland and gardens; it is within half an hour of London’s Kings Cross Station and close proximity to motorway networks.

Matthew Long, General Manager at Luton Hoo said: “We are delighted to be hosting the 2017 Bridgestone Challenge this September. Golf is an important part of the hotel and we are proud to be part of this year’s European Challenge Tour schedule. The entire team at Luton Hoo are excited about the prospect of seeing our Championship golf course on the international stage and hosting the future stars of world golf.”

Bridgestone Tyres will continue to be the title sponsor of the event, along with their continued involvement in the British Masters supported by Sky Sports. Wim Belckx, Bridgestone’s north region consumer marketing manager said: “The Bridgestone Challenge is a cornerstone of our sponsorship plans for 2017. We look forward once again to hosting the Challenge Tour’s rising stars, together with our Chase Your Dream Trophy finalists playing in the Pro-Am on the Wednesday. The public will be treated to four fabulous days of competition, plus lots of other attractions in the beautiful setting of Luton Hoo. Bridgestone welcomes golf fans and families alike for some great, free days out in September”

Alain de Soultrait, Challenge Tour Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to partner with Bridgestone again in 2017 and are excited to build on the success of last year’s event; we are also very pleased to welcome Luton Hoo Hotel Golf and Spa on to the Challenge Tour schedule.

“The Challenge Tour is the best path for young players looking to make their way in the professional game, and we have seen many great English players come through our ranks.

“Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose and Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter are both former Challenge Tour stars, while Tommy Fleetwood, Andrew Johnston and Jordan Smith have all finished top of our Rankings in recent years.

“The commitment Bridgestone are showing to encourage the growth of the game in England will hopefully lead to similar success stories in future years and there is no better place for talented youngsters to come and be inspired than the Bridgestone Challenge in September.”

Last season, Belgium’s Thomas Detry romped to a remarkable 12 shot victory, breaking a number of Challenge Tour scoring records to claim his maiden professional title in style.

Jeremy Robinson, Director of Blackstar Sporting Events, who stage the event is delighted that the Bridgestone Challenge will be heading to this grand venue, and is excited to be working with Matthew Long and his team at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa.

Jeremy Robinson said: “I would like to thank Bridgestone for their continued support and patronage; I would also like to thank our partners England Golf, who continue to back the event, and promote the Bridgestone Challenge to affiliated golf clubs in the area.”