American stars Matt Kuchar and Patrick Reed have joined a stellar line up for The Hero Challenge at Dundonald Links, ahead of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open. The exciting one-hole knockout contest is going to be one to watch out for.
World Number 17 Kuchar and US Ryder Cup star Reed complete the eight-player line up, alongside The Open Champion Henrik Stenson, reigning Hero Challenge champion Alex Levy, Scotland’s own Russell Knox, India’s number one Anirban Lahiri, two-time European Tour winner Rafa Cabrera Bello and rising English star Tyrrell Hatton.
Matt Kuchar said: “The Hero Challenge is definitely a great way to start off a tournament week, and it sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun for the players, the fans and the TV audience. It seems like a good way of bringing golf to a new audience, and getting fans excited about the tournament too. I can’t wait to take part.”
Patrick Reed said: “I’m excited to be taking part in the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, and the Hero Challenge looks like a fun way to start off the week. We’ve got a great bunch of guys playing and I’m sure it’ll be super competitive, so hopefully we can put on a great show for the crowd.”
We’ve got a great bunch of guys playing and I’m sure it’ll be super competitive: Patrick Reed
Television hosts Vernon Kay and Kirsty Gallacher will present the action as the eight players take part in seven quick-fire head-to-head straight knockout matches to determine the champion, with the entire contest concluded in less than an hour.
Anirban Lahiri said, “We need innovations to promote golf and this one-hole knock-out which I missed at British Masters last year seems fun and great way to bring new audiences.”
Before the professionals bid to claim the Hero Challenge title, celebrities including journalist and BBC breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty, actor James Nesbitt, Scotland rugby player and Strictly Come Dancing star Thom Evans and former Westlife singer Brian McFadden will entertain the crowd with their own knock-out contest.
This year the Hero Challenge will be played out at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, before returning to the British Masters supported by Sky Sports at Close House and then finishing at the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
