The world’s leading women professional golfers will break new ground this summer when they tee up in the 2007 Women’s British Open Championship, to be staged over the Old Course, St Andrews, on 2nd to 5th August.
It will mark the first time the world’s best-known and most revered golf course has hosted a women’s professional event and to celebrate that major milestone the Ladies’ Golf Union is offering 10% off all tickets purchased on its official website www.lgu.org prior to 31st May. All juniors under the age of 16 will also be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
The Old Course measured some 7,279-yards (Par 72) when it staged its 26th Open Championship two years ago and it will be only 640 yards shorter at 6,638-yards (par 73) when the likes of Annika Sorenstam, Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochoa, Karrie Webb, Se-Ri Pak, Christie Kerr, Julie Inkster, Paula Creamer, Natalie Gulbis, Laura Davies and defending champion, Sherri Steinhauer, tee up in August.
“We believe the Old Course will provide a tremendous test and have already been told by lots of the girls that they are really looking forward to playing,” said Susan Simpson, the LGU’s director of championships.
“We also anticipate record crowds as golf fans from all over the world flock to see the finest women professional tackling the Old Course for the first time. The LGU is committed to playing the Women’s British Open on first class courses that will present a rigorous but fair test for competitors and the Old Course clearly meets these criteria. It is also recognised throughout the world as the Home of Golf and as such adds kudos to the Championship.”
Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust, highlighted the historic nature of the decision to bring the Women’s British Open to the Old Course, “Women’s golf is going from strength to strength and we are delighted that the top professionals are coming to the Home of Golf for this high profile event. This is a milestone in the history of women’s golf in St Andrews which started with the formation of the Ladies’ Putting Club in the late 19th century. The Trust has always supported women’s golf and endorses all activities which raise the numbers of women taking up the game.”
This year marks the second time the Women’s British Open has been staged in Scotland, the first being in 2002, when Australia’s Karrie Webb won over the Ailsa course at Turnberry.
A wide choice of tickets is available for this year’s Championship. Full ticket prices cost £5 for the official pro-am day (1st August) £20 for a one day ticket (concession £16) or £50 (£40) for a season ticket which is valid all week. A 10% reduction can be obtained on all these prices by booking on-line before 31st May.
Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.lgu.org or on 01334 475811 (10% reduction does not apply to telephone sales).
LGU www.lgu.org