If you missed the Ally Challenge presented by McLaren at Warwick Hills last month, you missed a great local event. The PGA Tour Champions staged a competitive show on the golf course. The sponsors promoted attendance and raised funds for charity. The Warwick Hills Country Club played host with a perfectly prepared course. The staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves.
As a sports journalist, I have attended countless sporting events. What impressed me the most about this tournament was the smiles on the faces of everyone who helped make it such a success. “It really was a community success” noted Tournament Director Chris Coffman. “Those smiles reflected how happy Grand Blanc was to see the return of professional golf to this area.”
Every aspect of the Ally Challenge presented by McLaren received high marks. The professionals enjoyed the return to the club that hosted the Buick Open for over 50 years. The PGA lauded the attendance and success of the tournament. The community enjoyed the event and is appreciative of the charitable contributions made locally.
The best news? Today’s announcement that the Ally Challenge will return to Warwick Hills in 2019. The dates are set for the same time of year, September 9-15, 2019. Coffman again emphasized next year’s event will be bigger and better. “Music will definitely be a part of the entertainment. Our focus now is signing a big name act to headline the show. We expect a bigger field of golfers and we will be looking to further upgrade fan viewing areas.”
The Ally Challenge 2019
This year’s tournament had the biggest presale of tickets of any event on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Attendance figures averaged two times the average attendance of other tour stops. Next year promises to grow those numbers. Warwick Hills will hand out checks to charities that benefited from this year’s tournament on November 27, 2018. The golf was great, the fun memorable. But, the charitable contributions to our community and the lives touched, priceless.
Mark your calendars now for the 2nd week in September and don’t miss the 2019 edition of the Ally Challenge presented by McLaren.
