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Laura Davies may be Britain’s most accomplished golfer, but she says that being made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List tops all of her career accolades.
“It really is the greatest honour I have received in my career and what makes it even more special is that it is an honour that transcends golf. I was very proud when I received the letter in May and it has been really difficult keeping it a secret from my friends since then,” she said.
“I am sure there will be a fair bit of teasing from my close friends at home and on Tour but I think they will be pleased, not only for me but also because it is a nice recognition for women’s golf. I am really looking forward to going to Buckingham Palace and sharing this occasion with my family and friends who have all played such a big part in my career. I’ve already been asked if I will now be too posh to play football and the answer is definitely not!”
Over her 30-year-career, Laura has earned more than 80 career titles including four major championships, racked up seven LET Order of Merit titles and made 12 Solheim appearances – a tournament in which she is the record points’ holder.
Speaking on behalf of the Ladies European Tour, CEO Ivan Khodabahksh commented: “On behalf of everyone at the Ladies European Tour I would like to congratulate Laura, who is a legend of women’s golf. Having been at the top of the game for so long, she is an inspiration to generations of sports fans and her popularity transcends her sport.”
There are two chances to watch Laura compete in the British Isles this summer, as she will be the star attraction at both the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters at Buckinghamshire Golf Club, Denham, near London, on 3-6 July and will then make her 30th appearance in the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England, the following week on 10-13 July.
She continued: “It will be very special playing in my 30th Ricoh Women’s British Open this summer at Birkdale and, although I will feel very proud, it will definitely feel slightly unbelievable to be announced on the tee as Dame Laura Davies.”
Entries have now closed for the 2014 Ricoh Women’s British Open with 28 of the world’s top 30 players headlining the field at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England, 10 –13 July.
Along with 23 nationalities, 46 Major Championship titles and over 700 international tournament titles, the field now boasts a newly appointed Dame.
With Pre Qualifying taking place at The Royal Berkshire Golf Club on the 30th June and Final Qualifying at Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club on the 7th July still to come, along with the winner of the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship, 127 players have now qualified for the 144 field.
