Entries have now closed for the 2014 Ricoh Women’s British Open with 28 of the world’s top 30 players headlining the field at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England, 10 –13 July.
Along with 23 nationalities, 46 Major Championship titles and over 700 international tournament titles, the field now boasts a newly appointed Dame.
Laura Davies, who plays in her 30th Ricoh Women’s British Open this July, was made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list revealed on Saturday. On the announcement of the news, she commented, “It really is the greatest honour I have received in my career and what makes it even more special is that it is an honour that transcends golf. I was very proud when I received the letter in May and it has been really difficult keeping it a secret from my friends since then.”
Davies continued, “I am sure there will be a fair bit of teasing from my close friends at home and on Tour but I think they will be pleased, not only for me but also because it is a nice recognition for women’s golf. I am really looking forward to going to Buckingham Palace and sharing this occasion with my family and friends who have all played such a big part in my career.
“I’ve already been asked if I will now be too posh to play football and the answer is definitely not!”
Davies, who won the 1986 Women’s Open at Birkdale concluded, “It will be very special playing in my 30th Ricoh Women’s British Open this summer at Birkdale and, although I will feel very proud, it will definitely feel slightly unbelievable to be announced on the tee as Dame Laura Davies.”
With Pre Qualifying taking place at The Royal Berkshire Golf Club on 30th June and Final Qualifying at Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club on 7th July still to come, along with the winner of the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship, 127 players have now qualified for the 144 field.
Ricoh Women’s British Open www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com