The Ladies European Tour is extending its global presence ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games by adding a South American pre-qualifier to its 2016 Lalla Aicha Tour School, named in honour of HRH the Late Princess Lalla Aicha of Morocco.
The event will take place in Colombia, at the prestigious La Pradera de Potosi Golf Club in La Calera on 22nd – 29th November.
The Q School at La Pradera de Potosi Golf Club reinforces the LET’s commitment to the global growth of women’s professional golf. Colombia is the third country to host an Official LET International Qualification event joining those in Morocco and The Mission Hills Resort Haikou in China supported by Mr Tenniel Chu, the Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Group.
«The Olympics will showcase golfing talent across many nations and with this qualifying school we are ensuring that strong Latin American golfers will have a path to play professionally alongside some of the world’s best talents in the Ladies European Tour.” said Maria Salgado, Marketing Director, Ladies European Tour.
‘We are pleased to be bringing the passion and excitement of the LET to the next generation of professional players from that part of the world,’ said Salgado.
The announcement is part of the LET’s strategy to create a development pathway from entry level golf to the heights of professionalism through richer member education, services and integration with amateur bodies.
The LET Development Department works in partnership with people, organisations and national federations to inspire women and juniors to play golf and encourage them to achieve their aspirations.
Sebastian Pinzón, La Padera de Potosi Event Director, said: ’This initiative creates opportunities for talented young women golfers in my country and sends a very positive message to the world that golf is a fast growing sport in Colombia. Our goal is to eradicate gender inequality, not only in golf, but more broadly across the economy».
Colombia is experiencing rapid business and economic growth. The country’s economy is currently the third fastest growing in South and Central America, behind Brazil and Mexico.
Felipe Harker, Executive Director of the Colombian Golf Federation said: «We are very happy that Ladies European Tour is bringing the Q-School to our country and to La Pradera in particular. We continue to build a mutually beneficial relationship between Colombia’s women golfers and the LET. Golf has been growing significantly in our country and this event is the perfect next step».
Joaquin Moreno, President of La Pradera Country Club said: «We are very excited at the prospect of the best women golfers in the region coming and playing our beautiful course. Its a big opportunity for us to establish our credentials as a host of major golfing events. The board of directors and I are committed to make the event a great success and we are excited to be developing an enduring and warm relationship with The Ladies European Tour».
The LET works closely with national federations to provide playing opportunities for amateur golfers at LET events, and by encouraging LET members to share their knowledge, experience and skills.
