GOLF fans have shifted their attention to the south west as the first of two top women’s tournaments in Scotland this summer tees off.
The Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open – one of the biggest events on the Ladies European Tour – started today (Friday).
It is being played at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire, just a few miles along the coast from Royal Troon in Scotland, the Home of Golf.
The tournament is the latest in a series of nine top-class golf events across the country this year which are expected to attract more than 300,000 fans.
The Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open occupies a coveted spot on the schedule, taking place the week before The RICOH Women’s British Open, which is at Trump Turnberry Resort from Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August.
The event has a unique pro-am format; it will see 80 of the world’s leading female golfers teeing it up alongside 80 amateur golfers, including media personalities and celebrities.
Free for spectators to attend it is hoped the tournament will be a major draw.
Highlights will be screened in more than 138 countries and approximately 496 million households around the world, showcasing this stunning region to potential visitors.
The 54-hole tournament will be played over three days, finishing on Sunday 26 July, and is the only annual professional Ladies European Tour event in Scotland.
Players include Lydia Ko and Suzann Pettersen, the world’s second and seventh ranked women golfers respectively.
Malcolm Roughead OBE, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: ““Scotland is the undisputed Home of Golf, and the world continues to marvel at our country’s stunning beauty and our unbeatable reputation for hosting the biggest and best events in the game.
“I wish all those playing this weekend, the very best of luck and would encourage everyone to make the journey to Dundonald Links for an exceptional weekend of golf and events.”
