Crail Golfing Society, one of the world’s oldest golf clubs, situated less than 10 miles from St Andrews, will welcome competitors from 28 countries on Monday when it hosts Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open to be played in St Andrews from 22-25 August.
Playing 18 holes across the spectacular Craighead Links, designed by Gil Hanse, will be competitors last opportunity to earn a place in the final major championship of the year.
This will be the first time that Final Qualifying has been staged at the Fife venue, better known for its breathtaking Balcomie Links course designed by Old Tom Morris. The Craighead Links was opened in 1998 and inspired by the clifftop environment and medieval walls that create a challenging and unique layout for a championship course.
Jane Green, Crail Golfing Society’s Chair of the Board, said: “We would like to thank The R&A for selecting Crail Golfing Society to host its Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open. We’re thrilled to be able to welcome so many talented women players from around the world to our course which will provide a test that will serve the qualifiers well when they compete in the major championship later in the week.
“Craighead Links is in great condition and we are all looking forward to seeing how these immensely talented athletes navigate their way round our course.”
Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director of the AIG Women’s Open at The R&A, commented: “We would like to thank Crail Golfing Society for hosting Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open. Craighead Links, is an outstanding course which is sure to test the players as they look to earn their way into the field at St Andrews for the AIG Women’s Open.”
Those taking part in Final Qualifying include Lily May Humphreys (Royal Norwich), Gemma Clews (Delamere Forest) and Hannah McCook from Gleneagles, one of five Scottish players who qualified from Pre-Qualifying at Delamere Forest last month.
Among those competing in a 144-strong field at St Andrews in the AIG Women’s Open will be world number one Nelly Korda, defending champion Lilia Vu, Olympic Gold Medallist Lydia Ko and Solheim Cup star Charley Hull.
Spectators are welcome at Final Qualifying and entry is free. While tickets, including limited hospitality options, are still on sale for the AIG Women’s Open and can be purchased at aigwomensopen.com.
For further information and to follow live scores please visit www.aigwomensopen.com/qualifying and for Crail Golfing Society, visit www.crailgolfingsociety.co.uk