The British Challenge will take place on the Nicklaus Signature Course at the English venue, designed by 18-time Major winner Jack Nicklaus and host of the B&H International Open six times from 1990-95.
Modest! Golf Management continue their association with the Challenge Tour and will be the presenting partner for the British Challenge for the second consecutive year, after a memorable event at The Belfry last September which saw Chilean Hugo Leon triumph.
Niall Horan, founder of Modest! Golf Management, said: “We are delighted to continue our long standing relationship with the Challenge Tour in confirming the British Challenge is returning for a further two years. The Challenge Tour continues to develop the next generation of golfing superstars and we are very proud to work alongside our friends at Clutch Pro Tour in bringing this event to the 2022 schedule.”
David Moon, Director Of Golf at St Mellion Estate, said: “We are delighted to once again be given the opportunity to host a professional golf tournament of this level at St Mellion Estate. We are immensely proud of our legacy, having hosted numerous DP World Tour events, and look forward to welcoming the Challenge Tour and the high calibre players to compete on our world class Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.”
Ahead of the tournament, the Nicklaus Signature Course has undergone several minor upgrades, including new tees at the 12th and 14th holes which extend the course to over 7,000 yards for the first time. All of the 47 bunkers have been reshaped by Nicklaus Design, while significant additional drainage works and a state-of-the-art TORO irrigation system has been installed. And significantly, the fairways have been top-dressed with 500 tonnes of sand to improve surface drainage and year-round playability.
The extensive work has been overseen by Master Greenkeeper Mike Bush, who said: “The changes made to The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course form part of a much wider ethos to continually seek improvement in every aspect of the resort. The new tees and refurbished bunkers will be the most obvious additions, but committing to an annual programme of top-dressing for the fairways, as well as the greens, tees and landing areas, has made a significant difference in terms of playability. Add to that the new TORO irrigation system, and I would safely say we’ve never been better prepared to host a top-class tournament such as the British Challenge.”
David Moon, Director of Golf at St Mellion Estate, added: “We are thrilled to be hosting the British Challenge at St Mellion Estate and welcoming spectators of all ages to this free, ticketed event. Sports fans will once again enjoy elite golf on their doorstep and have the opportunity to watch the next generation of golf stars up close at one of UK’s most revered courses.”