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Australian Lindsey Wright, who won the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open hosted by Christchurch in February, is hoping to continue her fine record on European soil when she makes her debut in the Aberdeen Ladies Scottish Open presented by EventScotland, from May 3-5.
The 32-year-old from Albury in New South Wales became a member of the Ladies European Tour after her win in New Zealand, which was a co-sanctioned event between the LET and the Australian Ladies Professional Golf Tour.
She now plans to play in eight European events this year, starting at Archerfield Links in East Lothian, where she will arrive in good form.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing in Europe: the players are more approachable and the atmosphere more my cup of tea,” said Wright, who will have former LPGA player Mardi Lunn on caddie duties. “I’m looking forward to playing obviously, but seeing new places and other cultures. I’ll give it my best shot; my chances are as good as anyone else’s. I’m looking forward to playing in Scotland, especially the challenge of the wind and elements: it’ll be good fun.”
Wright has also entered the following week’s Turkish Airlines Ladies Open as well as the UniCredit Ladies German Open presented by Audi, the Ladies Irish Open, the Ricoh Women’s British Open, Evian Masters presented by Societe Generale, the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters and hopes to play in the Spanish Open.
She revealed that coming to play in Europe was the first thing on her mind after winning in New Zealand. She said: “I remember seeing the ball go in on 18 and feeling absolute joy. I realised I had opened up the opportunity to play in Europe and was stoked. I was pretty relaxed but super excited.”
Wright, once 12th in the world before taking time out of the game with a loss of form, nailed a four metre birdie putt on the final hole to claim victory at Pegasus Golf and Sports Club near Christchurch on 13th February.
It was a similarly career defining moment to when she won her first Futures Tour event in Albany, New Jersey, in 2003. After attending Pepperdine University in the United States, she said of her first win as a professional: “I made ten grand and felt like a millionaire. I was finally out of debt and it took a bit of pressure off.”
In 2004, Wright began playing on the LPGA Tour, where she has since amassed seven top ten finishes with a career best tie for second at the McDonald’s LPGA Championship in 2009.
Although Wright is a proud Australian, she was born in Tonbridge Wells, England and lived in East Peckham, Kent, until she was nine years old. Her parents, who are from London, moved the family to Australia in March 1989 and the next time she visited the UK was to play in the British Amateur Championship aged 22.
In addition to the strong international line-up that includes Lalla Meryem Cup winner Karen Lunn, Melissa Reid, Laura Davies, Gwladys Nocera and Helen Alfredsson, Wright is expecting a strong home challenge for the title from the defending champion Catriona Matthew.
Last year, Matthew earned a 10 stroke victory on the Fidra Course at Archerfield with rounds of 70, 65 and 66 for a total of 201, 15 under par.
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.
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
