Qualifying event for NI Open Challenge

Michael Hoey

Professionals and scratch amateurs will have a chance to book a place in next month's Northern Ireland Open Challenge in a pre-qualifier on 13 August.

The 18-hole qualifier takes place at the Hilton Templepatrick course with three places available for the NI Open at Galgorm Castle on 28-31 August.

The three successful players will earn a place in the £140,000 event alongside tournament ambassador Michael Hoey.

The field also includes last year's runner-up Oliver Wilson.

Englishman Wilson will be joined in the tournament by another former Ryder Cup player Philip Price.

Dundalk amateur Aaron Grant has already booked his place in the European Challenge Tour event by winning the North of Ireland Strokeplay event at the Ballymena venue last month.

Scratch amateurs or better will be able to join the local professionals in the qualifier at the Templepatrick course.

Last year's Northern Ireland Open Challenge event was won by Dutchman Daan Huizing and the field also included three-time European Tour winner Nick Dougherty.

Big crowds attended last year's event and Hoey is expecting an even stronger field 12 months on.

"Great things are happening with golf in Northern Ireland at the moment and this tournament is playing a key role in the overall story," said Hoey.