From next year PGA of Sweden National will be the new venue for The Princess, the Challenge Tour event supported by European Tour champion Henrik Stenson.
Following two successful editions of The Princess at Båstad GK, the event – which was won this year by rising star Thorbjørn Olesen of Denmark – will move to the Kyle Phillips-designed layout in Bara, near Malmö, from June 30-July 3, 2011.
As has been the case since the inaugural event in 2009, when he defeated Barclays Singapore Open champion Adam Scott of Australia, Stenson – who named the event after his first child, Lisa – will round off the week by teeing up against a world-class opponent in The Princess Charity Challenge.
He said: “It’s always a pleasure to return home to host The Princess every year. I’m proud to be able to sustain this event in order to push the next generation of Swedish golfers through the professional ranks. This tournament is also an important part of the work I do with my Foundation, through which I aspire to inspire youngsters to find their place in the world through their involvement in golf and other sports. The Kyle Phillips design at PGA of Sweden National is a joy to play, and will really test the Challenge Tour membership.”
Ove Sellberg, CEO of PGA of Sweden National, said: “New stars in the game of golf will progress through meeting challenges, and a modern world-class venue like ours will provide just such a challenge. So we welcome the challengers!”
Alain de Soultrait, Director of the Challenge Tour, said: “After two successful editions of the Princess at Båstad GK, we were eager to discover a new venue to host this prestigious tournament, the only Challenge Tour event currently in Sweden. With 36 holes, the PGA of Sweden National offers a choice between two high-quality courses with modern facilities.
“Over the years we have tried with our partners, promoters, sponsors and the various Federations to improve all aspects of the Challenge Tour, and the courses are a very important part of this process. We always strive to offer our Members the opportunity to play on the best possible courses, in order to prepare them for life on The European Tour.
“Good courses are absolutely crucial to our success, and we truly believe that the PGA of Sweden National is ready to meet the challenge of hosting an event on the Challenge Tour.”
Johan Elliot, CEO of tournament promoters Sportyard, whose clients include Stenson and US PGA Champion Martin Kaymer, said: “Together with the Swedish Golf Federation, partners and the Swedish PGA, we aim to build on the current concept and progress further, providing a better product, better service and a better experience for everybody involved.
“With the relocation of the event to one of the best venues in the country, we are adding a new dimension to The Princess and moving the event forward across the board.”
Anders Person, Chairman of Båstad GK, said: “We have had two great years with an excellent event, and have appreciated the opportunity to have some of the future stars of the game as guests at our course. We would like to thank the organizers and wish them the best for the future.”
