Stonebridge Prepares For PGA EuroPro Tour Debut - 08/07/2007

THE PGA EuroPro Tour makes its first visit to Stonebridge GC this week for The Sweeney's Environmental Classic.

The tournament, which begins on Wednesday, could prove to be one of the most important during the 2006 season, with the top five players in the Order of Merit after the even earning an exemption to Second Stage of European Tour Qualifying School.

Damian Mooney and Daniel Gaunt, who hold the top two positions, are already assured of their places but, with £10,000 going to the winner at Stonebridge, the remaining three are up for grabs.

Chris Hanson, Andrew Willey and Phil Rowe have moved into the top five following their wins on the PGA EuroPro Tour in the past month.

However, any player currently in the top 22 has a chance of breaking into the top five with a successful challenge in the Sweeney's Environmental Classic.

"The ambition for all our members is to make it onto the European Tour, and this is a chance to qualify automatically for Second Stage of Qualifying School," said PGA EuroPro Tour Managing Director Eddie Hearn.

"They players have already worked for six months to get to this stage of the season, and it is great to see so many in contention.

"Players of the calibre of John Morgan, Matthew Woods and Neil Walker - who have all won tournaments this year - are not even assured of a place yet, which shows the competitive nature of this year's Order of Merit."

Stonebridge, set in Meriden, is set in beautiful parkland and joins a number of other new courses on the 2006 PGA EuroPro Tour.

"We are looking forward to playing at Stonebridge," added Hearn. "The course is part of the Luddington Golf group, who have been great supporters of the PGA EuroPro Tour through Stonebridge's sister course, Maylands.

"With so many leading players in attendance it should be a memorable week."

2005 PGA EuroPro Tour Champion Mark Smith will be among the entrants alongside Rowe, who is will be looking to follow up his maiden professional title, won at Maylands last Friday, with another strong showing.

A number of other winners from the 2006 PGA EuroPro Tour are also in action, as are former European Tour members Warren Bennett and John Morgan.

The tournament begins on Wednesday and the top 50 players, plus ties, after two rounds will progress to the final round on Friday to play for the £40,000 prize fund.