Ladies Scottish Open :: Matthew to make history?

The Ladies Scottish Open gets underway this Friday at Archerfield Links, the fourth time in succession the East Lothian venue has welcomed the event. In all, eight Scots will test themselves against 70 professionals in the hope of victory.

The 54-hole event is the only annual professional Ladies European Tour event in Scotland, and has a unique format. The tournament will see 70 amateurs and celebrities tee it up alongside some of the world’s top female golfers over three days of competition.

The last three winners of the Ladies Scottish Open have all come from home based players. Last year’s champion Catriona Matthew also claimed the 2011 title, with Carly Booth taking home the 2012 crown.

If Catriona Matthew wins this weekend, she’ll be the first ever back-to-back Ladies Scottish Open champion in the event’s short history. The 45-year-old thinks her game is in great shape as she begins her defence of the Ladies Scottish Open.

“I believe I am very close to being really good.” – Catriona Matthew

“I have been playing steadily,” said the world No.20. “I believe I am very close to being really good. Obviously these things are never easy. The tour has got much deeper these past few years.

“I really enjoy playing both in Scotland and at Archerfield. I just hope the weather is good and that a lot of people come out and watch.”

Click here for the full interview with Catriona Matthew.

Entry is free throughout the tournament, with public parking available. For more information on how to attend, click here.

Ladies Scottish Open Scots first round tee times

Vikki Laing & Heather Macrae – 8:20am

Kylie Walker & Pamela Pretswell – 11:40am

Catronia Matthew & Diana Luna – 11:40am

Kelsey MacDonald & Sophie Walker – 11:50am

Katy McNicoll & Tania Elosegui – 12:00pm

Carly Booth & Marianne Skarpnord – 12:10pm

For a full list of tee times, click here.