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During the first week of October, Chantaco is to become the capital of golf when from the 4th to the 7th, the 25th Lacoste Ladies French Open will be played on Chantaco golf course, in the heart of the Basque country.
Former world number one, Lorena Ochoa of Mexico, who retired from competition some two years ago, is amongst an exceptionally strong field of competitors, while the young Spanish Solheim Cup player Azahara Munoz will be amongst her greatest challengers for the trophy.
Under the supervision of Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, non-playing patron of the tournament, the French elite will tee off at Chantaco. Leading French player Anne-Lise Caudal (Lacoste player and 13th on the LET ISPS Handa Order of Merit), is joined by Gwladys Nocera (26th), Sophie Giquel-Bettan (39th), Caroline Afonso (54th), Jade Schaeffer (69th) and Virginie Lagoutte-Clément (90th).
The “local” basque players, from nearby Spain, include Tania Elosegui, Carlota Ciganda and Maria Hernandez.
The French and Spanish players will be challenged by the leading Europeans including three-time French Open winner Trish Johnson, Laura Davies, Lydia Hall, Becky Brewerton, Carly Booth, Maria Hjorth and Pernilla Lindberg as well as recent tournament champions Stacey Keating and Karen Lunn of Australia, the French Open champion in 1997.
The four days of the tournament are not to be missed by golf fans as free entry is available to watch first class golf at a stunning venue, ideally suited to ladies’ professional golf.
Practical Information:
Field: 78 players (including 13 invites)
Format: 72 hole strokeplay
Cut: 50 professionals and ties after round 2
Thursday and Friday: first starts from tee 1 at 8.45 am, in groups of three.
Saturday and Sunday: starts from tee 1 by groups of two or three players depending on the number of qualifiers. The leaders tee off last around 1 pm.
Estimated finishing time Sunday: 4.30pm (subject to change)
Prize purse: 250,000 euros, 37,500 for the winner.
Free access.
