Ricoh Women’s British Open

Preview

Welcome Home, Ladies

The best women players in the world will be gracing the Home of Golf at the beginning of August when the Ricoh Women’s British Open comes to the Old Course. ‘This event is something we have all been looking forward to,’ said Alan McGregor, general manager of St Andrews Links Trust. ‘Ladies have always had the same rights to play here as men but this championship adds another layer of history to the Links.’ A famous sixteenth century visitor to the Old Course was Mary, Queen of Scots. The first ladies’ golf club in the world was formed in the town and the Jubilee Course was opened in 1897 with the intention that it should be used primarily by women.

Up to 10,000 people followed the British Ladies’ Championship final of 1908, won by Maud Titterton on the nineteenth hole after she heroically hit a brassie shot over a rain swollen Swilcan and on to the green after her opponent had laid up.

The 1929 Ladies’ Championship confirmed one lady player as the finest of all time when Joyce Wethered defeated Glenna Collett in what was perhaps the greatest ladies’ match ever played.

Eighty years on, has a genuine rival to Joyce Wethered emerged?

Now 36, Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam is the most respected figure in the modern women’s game and victory on the Old Course would be the brightest jewel in an already glittering crown. The St Rule Trophy winner in 1990, Annika has gone on to win ten majors including eight in the last six years and she also has a round of 59 to her name. A prolific champion over many years, she won her sole British title in 2003 at Royal Lytham.

The ladies’ game has worldwide status and the St Andrews champion could come from a number of countries around the globe. Mexican Lorena Ochoa is the world number one player, while seven-time major winner Karrie Webb from Australia, winner at Turnberry in 2002 when the Open made its only other visit to Scotland, is number two. New US Open champion Cristie Kerr is top ranked American ahead of a group of young stars like Paula Creamer, current Kraft Nabisco champion Morgan Pressel and Brittany Lincicome. Michelle Wie will be a popular attraction, if fit, and the Old Course should suit her big hitting game.

However, it is not only the young players that should be watched: at 47, Juli Inkster continues to merit a top ten place after a career featuring seven majors, and defending champion is 44-year-old Sherri Steinhauer, who has won the British title a record three times.

Norway ’s Suzann Petterson, who this season won the McDonald’s LPGA Championship and came runner-up at the Kraft Nabisco looks to be a strong contender from Europe, as does Catriona Matthew of Scotland, a double St Rule champion showing good form in this season’s majors. The last UK winner was England’s Karen Stupples who took the glory at Sunningdale in 2004. Compatriot Laura Davies, champion in 1986, could still secure her second British title.

Korea is the most successful nation in the world in producing top class women golfers with 17 players in the top 50, led by five-time major winner Se-Ri Pak, British Open champion in 2001 – its first year as a major. Jeong Jang won the British Open two years ago at Royal Birkdale and another Korean win is a distinct possibility with Mi Hyun Kim, Ji-Yai Shin and Jee Yong Lee performing well.

Japan has high hopes for Ai Miyazato, who came to St Andrews earlier this year to familiarise herself with the Old Course, Shiho Oyama and Yuri Fudoh.

It promises to be an unforgettable occasion.

Reports

Gallery

Ricoh to sponsor Women's British Open

Ladies' Golf Union website

Ricoh British Women's Open official website