The Algarve has shown its ongoing commitment to women’s golf after renewing its Official European Golf Destination partnership with the 2016 Ricoh Women’s British Open at Woburn.
Europe’s leading golf destination has extended its sponsorship of the event and will again be an official partner for the four-day spectacular on the Marquess course as the world’s leading female golfers do battle from July 28-31.
The tournament historically attracts a huge on-site audience with spectators encouraged to visit the Algarve via a dedicated stand in the tented village, where they can pick up a range of information and golfing giveaways. Substantial Algarve on-course branding at Woburn will also engage with armchair viewers, with live coverage on BBC1 for all four days.
Defending Champion Inbee Park has unfortunately been forced to withdraw due to injury. Park commented, “With extreme disappointment I must announce that I will be withdrawing from this year’s Ricoh Women’s British Open at Woburn. This has been an incredibly hard decision for me to make and the reason I’ve left it to the very last minute. Winning the British Open last year at Turnberry meant so much to me in more ways than you could imagine. Since the PGA I’ve been resting and rehabilitating my left thumb in the hope that I would be right to defend my title next week but it just needs a little bit more time. Therefore, I will be unable to attend this year’s British Open and now must concentrate on getting healthy and ready to compete for my country at the Olympic Games in Rio.”
The stats are as impressive as ever and the field boasts…..
- 49 of the top 50 on the Race to CME Globe LPGA money list and all of the top 30 on the LET Order of Merit are in the field
- 37 players will be heading to the Rio Olympics
- 834 Tournament wins including 45 Major victories
- 26 players making 103 Solheim Cup appearances between them
The Ricoh partnership continues the Algarve’s drive to promote women’s golf from grass roots to the highest level, and forms a major part of its Golf4All project, which encourages development of the game for all segments.
In addition to golf, the Algarve offers a wonderful selection of spas, shopping and lifestyle facilities and its growing popularity with women is further emphasised by more than 40 per cent of its social media following being female.
A spokesperson for ATA said: “It’s another highlight of a landmark year for the Algarve so it’s a great pleasure to be the ‘Official European Golf Destination’ of the Ricoh Women’s British Open once again.
“We look forward to supporting the best players in the world at Woburn and promoting what the Algarve has to offer to British golf fans.”
Ricoh Women’s British Open IMG Tournament Director Ross Hallett added: “We are delighted that the Algarve is extending its relationship with the Ricoh Women’s British Open and that they will be with us again in Woburn to celebrate the 40th edition of the Championship.
“Given the high pre-event ticket sales, we are anticipating a record crowd in attendance this year which will be fantastic for all of our Tournament partners.”
An elite field from the men’s European Tour will also be welcomed in October for the 10th edition of the Portugal Masters.
Ricoh Women’s British Open http://ricohwomensbritishopen.com/
Algarve Golf http://www.visitgolfalgarve50years.com/en/