Newly crowned Rolex Rankings Number 1 and 2008 Champion, Jiyai Shin heads the latest entry list as the Ricoh Women’s British Open gears up to celebrate its 35th year as one of the world’s most prestigious Championships.
The historic Royal Birkdale Golf Club will host the 2010 Championship from 29th July to the 1st August for a fifth time, having most recently hosted the Women’s British Open in 2005 when Jiyai’s compatriate Jeong Jang claimed her first Major with four sub-70 rounds.
With the 2007 Ricoh Women’s British Open winner, Lorena Ochoa, having recently retired, all of the world’s top 10 women will be hoping to wrestle the title from reigning champion, Catriona Matthew.
Catriona, who was at Royal Birkdale to host the Championship’s media day, said, “It is an extremely strong entry with all of the world’s top ten in the field already but it is exactly what you’d expect for the Ricoh Women’s British Open as it is a title everyone covets. I am delighted to have had a sneak preview of the course here today. It looks to be in magnificent condition and I will be doing everything I can between now and July 29th to ensure I am as well prepared as possible to defend my title.”
Shona Malcolm, the Ladies’ Golf Union’s CEO, commented, “Everything is gearing up for a great event and we intend to build on the success of recent years and continue to improve on this great Championship year on year . The course is in wonderful shape and The Royal Birkdale Golf Club’s enthusiasm and support in hosting the Ricoh Women’s British Open gives us a great boost as we look forward to this summer. We are very grateful to the media for supporting our Championship and particularly delighted to see such an excellent turn out here today.”
For the first time this year fans will be able to watch the BBC’s extensive coverage of the Ricoh Women’s British Open in HD (high definition) underlining the significance of the Championship in the BBC’s sports portfolio.
The Ricoh Women’s British Open was founded by the Ladies’ Golf Union in 1976 and is staged in conjunction with IMG, the world’s largest sports marketing company. The event has been co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET since 1994 and gained Major status in 2001.
Ladies’ Golf Union www.lgu.org
Ricoh www.ricoh-europe.com
Sure – 2009 Ricoh Women’s British Open Champion Catriona Matthew will be defending her title at Royal Birkdale this year.