Rendezvous at Chantaco

The 2013 champion Azahara Munoz

Facts of note:

– From Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th October 2014

– Golf de Chantaco at Saint-Jean-de-Luz, 5,577-metres par-70

– Official tournament on the Ladies European Tour schedule, with a field of 78

Following Graeme McDowell’s heroic title defense at the Alstom Open de France, ffgolf production and Lacoste proudly announce the 27th edition of the Lacoste Ladies Open de France. For the third year in a row, the event will take place at the Golf de Chantaco, the stronghold of the Lacoste family in the heart of the Basque country. The €250,000, 27th edition of the tournament will bring together 78 of the best European players from 2-5 October.

Following the success of the two previous editions, the Lacoste Ladies Open de France will be held this year again, in the first days of autumn, in the heart of the Basque country in the southwestern corner of France.  Set upon the hills overlooking the city of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Golf de Chantaco will host the event for the third time in its rich history. A true institution of French golf, the club was founded in 1928 by René Thion de la Chaume, whose daughter Simone, a golfing great of her era, married René Lacoste, one of the four French musketeers in the interwar years and the creator of the famous clothing brand. Last year, his grand-grand-daughter Véronique Smondack has taken over the club’s presidency, perpetuating the family tradition. As for the golf course, a 5,577-metres par-70, it is a creation of renowned British architect Harry Colt. Its technicity always make a stern and spectacular golfing challenge for the best players on the Ladies European Tour.

A field of 78 golfers will take part in the 27th staging of the event, looking to succeed Azahara Muñoz. Last year, at the conclusion of a thrilling final day, the Spaniard lifted the trophy despite a strong local challenge led by Gwladys Nocera, Valentine Derrey, Joanna Klatten and Karine Icher. The best French players will aim to engrave their names on the silver cup alongside their only three fellow Frenchwomen crowned in their national open: Marie-Laure de Lorenzi (1988, 93, 95), Patricia Meunier-Lebouc (2000) and Stéphanie Arricau (2004). The 19th out of 24 tournaments on the 2014 Ladies European Tour schedule, the Lacoste Ladies Open de France is, this year again, the last to be held on European soil. This strategic position at the end of the calendar, added to a prize money of €250,000, should attract the very best European golfers and ensure a fine show.

Azahara Muñoz, or the perfect mix of elegance and sportswomanship

As tradition has it, the crocodile brand puts a premium on women on the Lacoste Ladies Open de France official poster. This year, the model is defending champion Azahara Muñoz, shot in New-York. Dressed up in Lacoste, the good-looking Spaniard, a brand ambassador, is a perfect mix of sportswomanship and elegance.

More information:  www.opendefrancefeminin.fr