One of the things I love about these big ‘international’
style events is that they always take place on top tier courses. Why create a splash if you can’t do it in
the biggest pond. The Waterways Ireland World Corporate Golf Challenge is certainly
set to make a splash as it arrives at Lough Erne on Tuesday 25th September. The
Faldo Course at Lough Erne has water on a dozen holes, so those participating
are likely to be visiting the wet stuff at some point.
[Photo: Some
of the ‘wet stuff’ around the 7th green]
This ‘Challenge’ is designed for businesses large and small
and it is the Irish qualifier for the
World Corporate Golf Challenge. The winners will head off on an all-expenses
paid trip (flights, golf, all WCGC official functions) to represent Ireland at
the 2013 World Final, making it one attractive proposition if your golf is on
song at the moment.
Teams enter
as pairs, so if you want to impress a supplier, reward a valued customer or
suck up to the boss why not enter and enjoy one of Ireland’s best parkland
courses. Set in County Fermanagh and promising a five star resort, the event
offers plenty of ‘extras’ for its Stg £220 per team (N.B. accommodation is not
included).
[Photo: The
par three 3rd hole, in the woods]
A Bird’s Eye View
On Monday
24th September, the event kicks off with
an opening ceremony and drinks reception on “Kestrel”, a boat which will be moored on Lough Erne Resort’s jetty.
On the 25th,
the day promises breakfast on arrival, buffet lunch, a gift bag and a range of
water-based activities (it is sponsored by Waterways Ireland after all!) on
Lough Erne throughout the day… not forgetting the 18 hole competition.
[Photo: The
approach to the short par four 10th, on what Lough Erne considers its Signature
Hole]
The golf
course plays through glorious woodland and then out to the lake as it stretches
across a private
600-acre peninsula between Lower Lough Erne & Castle Hume Lough. It has a
lazy pace, wild and untouched rough, and sleek greens. It is thrilling and,
despite the water, this is one relaxing round of golf that every level of
golfer can enjoy. It makes it the perfect venue for such an event…
20 Countries
… an event
which takes place in more than 20 countries worldwide. To date, over 1 million
golfers have taken part since the inception of the Waterways Ireland World
Corporate Golf Challenge in 1993. Now that the qualifier is taking place at
Lough Erne, there are plenty of reasons to participate.
[Photo: The
nerve-wracking tee shot on the par four 17th, with the resort behind]
Lough Erne
was voted Golf Resort of the Year
(Irish Golf Tour Operators Association 2010) and Northern Ireland’s Hotel of
the Year (Northern Ireland Tourism Awards 2011), so go the extra mile and spend
the night on Monday 24th.
“These events are
always great fun, and very competitive! Representing not only your company but
potentially also your country adds an extra dimension to the day. We’re looking
forward to a big turn out and an exciting tournament for the Waterways Ireland
World Corporate Golf Challenge,” says Lynn McCool, Director of Golf and
Head Professional at Lough Erne Resort.
