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Laura Davies, Melissa Reid, Helen Alfredsson and Lindsey Wright are some of the latest stars to confirm their entry into the LET’s first European event of the season, the fourth Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open presented by EventScotland, at Archerfield Links in East Lothian, from Thursday 3rd – Saturday 5th May 2012.
They join defending champion, Catriona Matthew, the 2010 event winner Virginie Lagoutte-Clement, the 2008 event champion Gwladys Nocera and recent Lalla Meryem Cup winner Karen Lunn in competing for the coveted trophy.
Reigning champion, Catriona Matthew, who lives just three miles away from the course in North Berwick, said: “I am particularly looking forward to defending my Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open title. Last year’s event was one of the highlights of my year as it is fantastic to be able to play in front of a home crowd at my home course, Archerfield. Thanks to the support of Aberdeen Asset Management this year’s event is set to be the best yet.”
Janice Moodie, a three-time Solheim Cup player in 2000, 2003 and 2009, joins the strong home challenge alongside the 2009 Ricoh Women’s British Open champion Matthew, as well as her fellow an Aberdeen Asset Management ambassadors Carly Booth, Kylie Walker and Lynn Kenny. Heather MacRae, Gemma Webster and Vikki Laing complete the list of eight Scottish players in the line-up.
South African Lee-Anne Pace, the leading money winner on the LET in 2010, will be hoping to add a sixth LET title to her CV. Meanwhile recent event champions from 2011 include Frances Bondad, Felicity Johnson, Diana Luna, Ashleigh Simon and Jade Schaeffer.
Local heroine Matthew will be tough to beat. Last year, she earned an imperious 10 stroke victory on the Fidra Course at Archerfield with rounds of 70, 65 and 66 for a total of 201, 15 under par, finishing well ahead of second placed Hannah Jun.
Matthew was one of the stars of Europe’s successful Solheim Cup team at Killeen Castle in Ireland in September where she earned three points in her sixth appearance. She memorably earned a 6 and 5 victory over Paula Creamer in the opening singles match. Last year she also earned her fourth LPGA career victory at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. She is in fine form and will be hoping to collect her fifth Ladies European Tour title this year.
The event’s unique 54-hole format will once again see the professional golfers playing alongside an amateur field, increased this year to 70, which will include a number of celebrities such as Michael Vaughan and Brendan Cole who will also be taking to the magnificent Fidra course at Archerfield Links.
The Archerfield Fidra Links in East Lothian opened in 2004 and is a premium golfing destination in Scotland.
The Fidra Links is the original of the two courses at Archerfield Links, and at just short of 7000 yards from the back tees this is a true test of any golfers’ skill. The first 11 holes of this par 72 course wind their way through pine trees giving the course a unique character amongst other courses in East Lothian, with deep menacing bunkers and fast running greens.
The course takes its name from Fidra Island which is reportedly the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island which he wrote sitting in the Marine Villa, one of the unique properties located on the Archerfield Estate.
Golf has been enjoyed on the Archerfield Estate for centuries, with the original 18 hole course designed by Ben Sayers. More recently the Fidra Links has been enjoyed by Major Champions including Sir Bob Charles, Gary Player, Ian Woosnam and Mike Weir.
Entry to this event is free and public car parking is available. The final field will be confirmed on Wednesday 18th April at 12:00 BST.
For the full list of entries please click here
