Home stars Melissa Reid, Charley Hull and Dame Laura Davies are getting ready to kick off next week’s ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club, from July 2-5.
They headline a field of 144 world class competitors which includes Solheim Cup stars Caroline Masson and Giulia Sergas, current order of merit leader Gwladys Nocera and 19-time tournament winner Trish Johnson. Additional players include the European Solheim Cup Captain Carin Koch, last year’s leading rookie Amy Boulden and two-time Ladies European Tour winners Florentyna Parker and Carly Booth.
The ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters is a unique chance to watch the world’s greatest female golfers at a breathtaking venue that delivers entertainment for the whole family, all just 20 minutes from central London. The Ladies European Tour’s flagship tournament is played at the tour’s headquarters and Europe’s biggest golfers are competing for a purse of €500,000, with a €75,000 first prize.
Derbyshire’s Melissa Reid, the recent Turkish Airlines Ladies Open champion who is currently second on the order of merit, said: “I am really looking forward to playing the Ladies European Masters again this year. This flagship event is always well supported and it is special playing on home soil with family and friends around.”
Last year’s order of merit winner, the Northamptonshire teenager Charley Hull, commented: “It is a lovely setting and I enjoy the course, it is always fun playing here with home crowds watching. I am sure it will be another great event. We have been so lucky with the weather in previous years, I hope it holds up and we get some great crowds watching, it is always fun to play in England.”
Dame Laura Davies added: “It is great to be a part of the LET flagship event again this year. ISPS and all of the other sponsors do a wonderful job in the support of this tournament, which really showcases women’s golf. I look forward to competing with some of Europe’s top players, in this Solheim Cup year. I hope some local youngsters will be lining the fairways, inspired to play golf.”
Ivan Khodabakhsh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ladies European Tour, said: “Next week offers a unique opportunity to watch and learn from 144 top international professional women golfers in England and I encourage you to connect with our players, who are extremely approachable and committed to sharing their tremendous skills and knowledge. The Solheim Cup is less than three months away and this tournament also presents a rare chance to get up close with some of Europe’s top golfers as they compete for a place on the team that will defend the trophy against the United States in September.”
This is the fourth year of the tournament, launched as the British Masters in 2012 and renamed to reflect its ambition and importance in 2013. During the tournament key guests enjoy the Pro Am where the players are approachable and friendly, and for non-golfers, the VIP hospitality provides the perfect English garden party experience. Among the highlights are ladies’ day on Thursday, with a number of guest speakers, the kids’ zone with golf and non-golf activities for families and the artisan market in the tented village. As well as live TV in the UK on Sky Sports, the tournament is broadcast around the world and can be followed in selected countries on the Ladies European Tour YouTube channel.
