There could be no more perfect trip back to Scotland for Catriona Matthew than to lift the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open at Dundonald Links this July 22-24.
The 46-year old who is Scotland’s most successful female tour professional has her eyes set on a special homeland victory as she vies for a hat-trick of Ladies Scottish Open titles in just under a month’s time. The former Women’s British Open Champion, whose recent form has taken her to the brink of Olympic qualification has won the event in 2011 and 2013 but faces another tough test at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire next month.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open,” said the Scot. “It’s the only time this year that I’ll get to play in Scotland and everyone loves to play in their home country. I think it will be another great event.”
Matthew, who is currently 67th in the world rankings, will face stiff competition from the likes of LPGA stars Carlota Ciganda and Cheyenne Woods, former champions such as the Carly Booth and Trish Johnson as well as a host of young stars vying for the title, including Amy Boulden, Kylie Walker and Pamela Pretswell.
With a stretch of tournaments that includes the Ladies Scottish Open, followed by the Women’s British Open and no doubt The Olympics a couple of weeks later. Matthew is more than pleased with her current form.
“It’s very pleasing, I’ve been up in contention a lot. I feel as if it’s all coming together nicely, I’m hitting the ball really well, and it was nice to put in four good rounds at the recent KPMG Championship as up until that point, there’s always been one round that has let me down.”
Matthew is also pleased that the Ladies Scottish Open is returning to Dundonald Links for a second consecutive year, a venue that will also hold the Aberdeen Asset Management men’s Scottish Open in 2017 as The European Tour event completes its geographical spread of Scotland, the ‘Home of Golf.
“It’s great to know the men’s event is coming here next year. I really enjoyed the layout of Dundonald last year, but how well you play on any links course really comes down to the weather. If it’s not windy it will be a great course, but if the wind picks up it will be a tough test,” finished Catriona.
Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management said, “Were looking forward to welcoming Catriona, our fellow Scots and some of the world’s best golfers back to Dundonald this July. Last year’s event proved popular with players and fans alike so we sure this year’s instalment will be just as successful.”
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, added: “Catriona is a terrific global ambassador for Scotland, the Home of Golf and we are delighted she will be returning to Dundonald to showcase this magnificent region of the country. There is a real buzz about women’s golf in Scotland with the successful bid to host The 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles and we look forward to thousands of spectators coming out to support Catriona and the other competitors at Dundonald.”
Councillor Willie Gibson, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “Catriona has been a fantastic ambassador for golf over a number of years now so we’re delighted that she will be competing at Dundonald.
“The organisers have yet again delivered a top-class field and we can’t wait to welcome them here to North Ayrshire.”
The 2016 Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open takes place at Dundonald Links on the West Coast of Scotland in North Ayrshire, from 22-24 July. The event now occupies a prime spot on the Ladies European Tour calendar, sitting just one week ahead of the Women’s British Open and offers a prize fund of €500,000.
The event’s unique pro-am format sees 80 amateurs and celebrities tee it up alongside a limited field of 80 of the top female golfers in the world. The 54-hole tournament is played over three days and is the only annual professional Ladies European Tour event in Scotland.
The event is FREE to attend with fun for all the family.
For more information visit www.ladiesscottishopen.com and follow @AberdeenLSO #AberdeenLSO
