Published July 17, 2008 on June 15, 2018

First Edition of the 2018 Hero Challenge to Tee Off at Iconic Edinburgh Castle

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The Hero Challenge is returning for the 2018 season and this time the fast and fun night golf contest will take place in a series of iconic city locations – with Edinburgh Castle providing a stunning backdrop for the opening edition.

Some of the world’s leading golfers will battle it out on the castle esplanade, high on the great rock that dominates Scotland’s capital city, and fans can get free tickets to watch the exciting event on the evening of Tuesday, July 10 at http://et.golf/Hero-Challenge

The stars of the golfing world will gather in a purpose-built arena at the world-famous visitor attraction – which dates from the 12^th century and is a key part of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site – just two days before they take to the fairways in another breath-taking location for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at Gullane Golf Club from July 12-15.

The line-up of stars who will bid to emulate Masters Tournament winner Patrick Reed’s win at the first Hero Challenge on Scottish soil in 2017 will be announced in the coming weeks.

After a successful debut for the night-golf event at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports in 2016, Hero MotoCorp Ltd – the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters – reaffirmed its commitment to innovation on the European Tour by extending the Hero Challenge by another three years and to three marquee events – the British Masters, Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.

Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp, said: “The overwhelming success of this unique concept of golf in our debut season and last year has encouraged us to bring the 2018 edition of the Hero Challenge to the European Tour once again.

“I am glad to see the Hero Challenge playing a role in attracting a large number of new fans to golf and I am sure this will go a long way in further popularising the game among young fans.”

Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, said: “Edinburgh Castle is arguably Scotland’s most recognisable landmark, and we are thrilled to bring the Hero Challenge to such an iconic location.

“Since we launched the Hero Challenge at the British Masters in 2016, it has proved to be hugely popular with players and spectators alike. We have had a lot of fun growing and developing the format at some spectacular golf courses, and we believe that bringing this innovative contest to internationally recognisable landmarks is the perfect way to make it even bigger and better while showcasing our world-famous stars.

“The Hero Challenge wouldn’t be possible without the vision and support of Pawan Munjal and Hero MotoCorp.  We would also like to thank Historic Environment Scotland, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and EventScotland for giving us the opportunity to stage the event at Edinburgh Castle for what will be a truly memorable evening on Tuesday, July 10.”

The Hero Challenge will take place from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm on Tuesday, July 10 and will be shown live across the European Tour’s platforms. Free tickets to be there in person are available at http://et.golf/Hero-Challenge

The Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open once again takes its place as part of the Rolex Series – the premium category of tournaments on the European Tour’s Race to Dubai, each with a minimum prize fund of US$7million. Some of the world’s best golfers will tee it up in Gullane from July 12-15, including defending champion Rafa Cabrera Bello of Spain, 2015 champion Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, World Number Three and 2014 winner Justin Rose, and the 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson.