Challenge Tour to Return to Seve Designed Pont Royal

Golf International Pont Royal - designed by the legendary Seve Ballesteros - will once again host the Hopps Open de Provence this September on the Challenge Tour.

The inaugural event, in 2018, was won last year by 24-year-old Frenchman Romain Langasque, who subsequently won a place on this year’s European Tour through qualifying school, despite finishing 19th on the Challenge Tour ranking.

The top 15 golfers on the ranking at the end of the season automatically earn a Tour card, and one of last year’s successful group David Law – who finished tied sixth at Pont Royal last year – has already stood atop the European Tour winner’s podium, at the ISPS Handa Vic Open, in Australia, in February.

And Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who came so close to winning the recent British Masters, failed even to make the cut at Pont Royal, last year, highlighting the quality of both the golf and the course.

The 2018 Hopps Open de Provence was hailed by the players for its support as it provided one of the largest crowds of the year on the tour. It was the last French event of the season and golf fans in the region flocked to the course to witness the dramatic finale which saw Langasque triumph by three shots.

Once again, the event at Pont Royal will be the last visit to France made by the Challenge Tour in 2019, so both the tension and the crowd will be considerable.

Pont Royal’s director of golf, Jérome Lauredi, explained: “Last year’s tournament was a huge success with some tremendous golf and large crowds. We are delighted the event is able to return and it is our intention to grow it year on year in terms of spectators and commercial support. But entry will remain free for spectators who will also be able to enjoy the other facilities on the domaine.”

Just 30km north of Marseille International Airport, Pont Royal is easily accessible from most major European cities, and is regarded as one of the top venues in the region.

Many holes at Pont Royal – the only Ballesteros-designed course in France – are blessed with a plateau setting, offering stunning views to the Luberon and Alpilles mountain ranges. Technical shaping of shots is required to reach the true, slick greens, and visitors enjoy an interesting, wide variety of holes that form a smooth and seamless experience. It contains some tough holes – none more so than the 11th, where players face a 215-yard test across a steep rocky valley to a raised green.

Many holes at Pont Royal – the only Ballesteros-designed course in France – are blessed with a plateau setting, offering stunning views to the Luberon and Alpilles mountain ranges. Technical shaping of shots is required to reach the true, slick greens, and visitors enjoy an interesting, wide variety of holes that form a smooth and seamless experience. It contains some tough holes – none more so than the 11th, where players face a 215-yard test across a steep rocky valley to a raised green.

Accommodation is offered in the 100-room, four-star Moulin de Vernègues hotel and spa, part of the Châteaux & Hôtels Collection, which sits adjacent to the course’s second green. It is located in a charming manor house, with the assets of bygone days, but with a touch of modernity, harmoniously integrated with classical architecture. Self-catering apartments, villas and houses are available within the pedestrianised Pierre & Vacances village, where guests enjoy 20 per cent discount on green fees.

The 2019 Hopps Open de Provence takes place at Pont Royal from September 26-29.

For more information, visit www.golf-pontroyal.com | www.europeantour.com/challengetour