Tough Test Lying In Wait - 17/02/2008

THE PGA EuroPro Tour returns to action on Wednesday with The Sky Sports International at Heydon Grange GC in Hertfordshire.

With a week-long break following Robert McGuirk's victory at Collingtree Park a fortnight ago, the tour returns to Heydon Grange for the fifth event of the year.

Among the competitors will be European Tour member Russell Claydon, who finished second to Simon Lilly (pictured) at last year's event following a close final-day battle.

Heydon Grange professional John O'Leary revealed that this year's course will again set a tough challenge for the PGA EuroPro Tour's stars.

"The course is set up like an inland Links course," he said. "It's nice and green and the rough is quite thick and heavy.

"The players may not like us saying this, but hopefully the wind will get up - that would make it pretty tricky.

"If the greens speed up too, that will make things tricky as there are a few undulations there.

"The players had a testing time last year, and I'm sure that they will again."

Alongside the £40,000 prize fund, there is the added attraction of a BMW One Series on offer for any player to hit a hole-in-one on the final day, courtesy of Elms of Cambridge.

Players will also get a chance to practice at the club's new golf academy and 30-bay driving range, which opens on Tuesday as the latest addition to John Akhtar's complex.

PGA EuroPro Tour tournament director Kevin Feeney added: "This is a fantastic addition to the venue and it has some of the best practice facilities on the tour.

"All the players are looking forward to a great week back at Heydon Grange. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the tournament last year, and it is a well-run family club."