A field of 48 teams, including a mix of past winners, persistent challengers and new faces, will assemble on the island of Cyprus (May 30-June 2) for the seventh annual staging of the Confederation of Professional Golf-endorsed AEGEAN AIRLINES PRO-AM as its golfing odyssey continues to showcase the sport in the Aegean region.
The highly desirable destination of APHRODITE HILLS will become the fourth ‘home’ of the extremely popular, international pro-am that, in its six year journey so far, has performed an unprecedented service in displaying to the world the region’s limitless potential for golf and general tourism.
During a period of international economic restraint the AEGEAN AIRLINES PRO-AM’s capacity to attract a full-house field – year after successful year – is a glowing testimony to the event’s appeal to PGA professionals and their amateur partners alike.
Many Confederation of Professional Golf pro-am contestants and prize-money winners are drawn back to compete each year and, for the 2012 tournament, these include the 2011 winner Nicolo Gaggero (right) and the man who chased him home, Zeke Martinez.
Paul Nilbrink, who won in 2009 with a field-crushing final
round of 63 will be striving to relive the experience while earlier winners, Henrik Engdahl and Liam Bond, are also in the field featuring teams from Bulgaria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and UK.
Paul Archbold and Andrew Nemiroff, two past winners of other Confederation of Professional Golf events, are also among the contestants.
“The Aegean Airlines Pro-Am is a glowing example of what can be achieved by companies with a clear vision working together with us to stage not only a fabulous event but also assist the development of the game in the region,” said Ian Randell, Confederation of Professional Golf’s chief executive.
“The event continues to set the standard for combining a superbly organised tournament at stunning venues with a welcoming atmosphere and off-course events that are second to none”.
Aphrodite Hills is the first leisure and golf development of its kind in Cyprus, and features a magnificent 18-hole championship golf course, designed by the acclaimed architect, Cabell Robinson.
Robinson believes Aphrodite Hills to be the perfect mix of challenging pot bunkers, manicured fairways of lush Bermuda grass and generous tiered greens. Visually spectacular, the course expands through indigenous olive and carob trees and is built on two plateaux separated by a dramatic ravine with outstanding views over the Mediterranean.
Beginners and experienced players of all abilities are encouraged to learn and improve their game at the Aphrodite Hills’ 3-hole Golf Academy, where a team of resident PGA qualified golf professionals equipped with a ‘full video swing analysis system’ can provide the very best one-on-one tuition.
With a large, double-ended driving range, a short game area with a large pitching and chipping green and a 3-hole Academy course, Aphrodite Hills Golf provides the perfect learning environment.
Fully supported by the PGA of Greece, the Cyprus Golf Federation and the Hellenic Golf Federation, the Aegean Airlines Pro-Am was staged previously at Hersonissos in Crete (2006-2008), in Porto Carras in Halkidiki (2009), and at The Dunes Course, at Costa Navarino, Messinia for the following two years.
Teams compete over 36 holes stableford with the best two scores from the team of four to count on each hole. Each team will play 18 holes on Thursday 31st May and 18 holes on Friday 1st June. 2012. The professionals play a 54 hole strokeplay event, 36 holes with their amateur teams, and then a further 18 holes individually.
For more information plesae visit www.aegeanproam.com
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