The Weetabix Women’s British Open Championship will break new ground in 2007 when it is played over the Old Course, St Andrews from August 2nd –5th. It will become the first championship for women professionals to be played at the ‘Home of Golf’ although through the years the Old Course has hosted 26 Open Championships and numerous other professional tournaments.
“The Ladies’ Golf Union is delighted that the world’s top women professionals will have the opportunity in 2007 of playing over the world’s best known course,” said Andy Salmon, Chief Executive of the LGU. “The Old Course and St Andrews embody much of the long history of golf and it is right that the only Women’s Major to be played outside the U.S. should now be coming to St Andrews in 2007”
Sir Richard George, Chairman and Managing Director of Weetabix, was equally enthusiastic on the announcement of St Andrews and said; “We are committed to playing the Weetabix Women’s Open on courses that are recognised as being top class layouts while at the same time presenting a stiff but fair test of ability. The Old Course, St Andrews is all of these and in addition has the added kudos of being recognised throughout the world as the ‘Home of Golf. Over the years, St Andrews has produced a list of great champions and I have no doubt that the Weetabix will do the same.”
Alan McGregor, General Manager of St Andrews Links Trust said; ” Professional women’s golf is going from strength to strength and we are delighted that the top professionals are coming to the Home of Golf in 2007 for this high profile event. This is a milestone in the history of women’s golf in St Andrews which started with the formation of the Ladies’ Putting Club in the late 19th century. The Trust has always supported women’s golf and welcomes the current increase in numbers of women taking up the game.”
Ian Randell, chief executive of the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour added: “On behalf of the membership of the Ladies European Tour, we are delighted that we will be playing on the world’s oldest and most famous golf course in 2007. The world’s top women golfers will showcase women’s professional golf at the highest level at The Old Course in St Andrews and I am confident they will provide the same thrilling atmosphere as The Open Championship each time it is held in Fife.
“This is an exciting time in women’s golf and we look forward to writing another chapter in the long and venerable history of the “Home of golf”.
The Weetabix Women’s British Open has only on one occasion been played in Scotland, in 2002, when the winner at Turnberry was Karrie Webb. In just over two months, Annika Sorenstam will defend her title at Sunningdale from 29th July to 1st August. The Championship will be played at Royal Birkdale in 2005, Royal Lytham & St. Annes in 2006 and then St Andrews in 2007.
