The Wales Challenge (known as the SWALEC Wales Challenge in its later years) was a professional golf tournament on the European Challenge Tour. It was held annually in Wales from 2003 to 2010.
History
The tournament was conceived as a direct result of Wales' successful bid to host the 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. It ran for eight years on the Challenge Tour, providing emerging professional golfers with competitive opportunities in Wales.
Format and Venues
The tournament was played as a stroke play event over 72 holes (except in 2007, when it was shortened to 54 holes due to weather). The par was 72, and the course length was 7,267 yards (6,645 m). The prize fund was €150,000, and it was typically held in August.
The primary venue was The Vale Resort in Cardiff, Wales, though earlier editions were held at Nefyn Golf Club in Gwynedd (2006) and Northop Country Park (2003–2004).
Winners
| Year | Winner | Score | To par | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Oscar Florén (Sweden) | 280 | −8 | The Vale Resort |
| 2009 | Rhys Davies (Wales) | 286 | −2 | The Vale Resort |
| 2008 | Michael McGeady (Ireland) | 284 | −4 | The Vale Resort |
| 2007 | Colm Moriarty (Ireland) | 203 | −13 | The Vale Resort |
| 2006 | Sion Bebb (Wales) | 274 | −10 | Nefyn |
| 2005 | Olivier David (France) | 292 | E | The Vale Resort |
| 2004 | Graeme Storm (England) | 262 | −26 | Northop Country Park |
| 2003 | Craig Williams (Wales) | 267 | −17 | DeVere Northop Country Park |
Sponsorship
The tournament was known under different sponsorship names during its run:
- Ryder Cup Wales Challenge (2004, 2006)
- Firstplus Wales Challenge (2005, 2007)
- SWALEC Wales Challenge (2008–2010)
Other uses
The name "Wales Challenge" is also used by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) for a fundraising event held in Wales, typically involving outdoor adventure activities.
