Weetabix Womens' British Open Championship
Tuesday, April 30, 2002
The Weetabix Women’s British Open Championship will break new ground in many ways when it is played over the Ailsa Course, Turnberry from 8th to 11th August.
Since 1976 when Jenny Lee Smith won the inaugural Championship at Fulford, the Weetabix has always resided in England but now, in only its second year as the fourth Ladies’ Major, it is moving north of the border to Turnberry.
"Sue Johnson, President of the Ladies’ Golf Union said: "We are indebted to Weetabix who have enabled this Championship to grow over the years and achieve major status. Moreover, we are absolutely delighted to be playing over the wonderful Ailsa Course at Turnberry which will provide a great test for the world’s top players while offering fantastic facilities for players and spectators alike."
Sir Richard George, Chairman of Weetabix said: "This will be the sixteenth year that Weetabix have sponsored the Championship and during the period we have seen huge increases in the level of media support and spectator interest. I have no doubt that the combination of the quality of the Championship venues that we now enjoy together with our "Major" status designation will ensure that the Championship will continue to attract the best players from all Tours around the world."
Not only will this be a first for the Open, but for many of the players it will give them their first taste of playing links golf in Scotland.
Players such as 2001 Open Champion Se Ri Pak or Karrie Web have never competed in Scotland and will now have the opportunity of challenging for the trophy at one of the world’s top resorts.
It was only in September 2000 that the Weetabix Women’s British Open was named by the LPGA as the Tour’s newest and fourth major and that decision was vindicated last year with the strongest ever field for any event outside the U.S.
In nominating the Weetabix as a major, Ty Votaw, commissioner of the LPGA, said: "The Women’s British Open name carries with it tradition, prestige, and cache one associates with a major championship, and we have a sponsor in Weetabix that has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the LPGA and women’s golf."
Since its reconstruction after the war, Turnberry has hosted many professional tournaments including three Open Championships which produced champions of the highest calibre in Tom Watson (1977), Greg Norman (1986) and Nick Price (1994).
Now golf enthusiasts in Ayrshire and further afield will be able to view the world’s top lady golfers in action.
Undulating fairways lined by high dunes have always made the Ailsa Course an ideal location for spectating, but the LGU are putting additional measures in place to ensure that the public enjoy their day out at Turnberry.
In addition to attractive ticket prices and first class on-course facilities, youngsters will be allowed in free-of-charge.
Commenting on this policy, Andy Salmon, the Secretary and CEO of the LGU said: "We are aware that girls golf is currently going through a difficult period in terms of the numbers actively playing. So that they can see the world’s top players in action we will be letting all under-16 Juniors in free of charge. In addition we will be writing to all Junior Convenors and if they accompany a party of Juniors, they also will be given free access."
An indication of the growth and status of the Championship can be seen from the prize money over the years. In 1981 a total of £19,000 was on offer and the £100,000 barrier was broken in 1987, the first year of the Weetabix sponsorship. By 1992 prize money had reached £300,000 and this year the prize fund will be £1 million.
For further information contact: -
Andy Salmon
Secretary
Ladies’ Golf Union
Tel: 01334 475811
View
all news items
News Archive
1999
| 2000 | 2001
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007
Events Archive (Combined
with News from 2002 onwards)
1999
| 2000 | 2001
|
