Ladies Scottish Open co-sanctioned by LPGA

• Ladies Scottish Open to be co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour
• Three-year deal has been signed ahead of 2019 Solheim Cup
• The agreement will see the event’s prize fund almost treble

The Ladies Scottish Open has been given a huge boost after a ground-breaking agreement that will see the event co-sanctioned by the LPGA.

An initial three-year deal was brought together by the Ladies European Tour and LPGA in partnership with Aberdeen Asset Management and VisitScotland and will see the event’s prize fund almost treble – from €500,000 ($530,000) to $1.5m.

“This historic agreement underlines Scotland’s commitment to women’s golf” – Paul Bush

As a result, the current Pro-Am format will give way to an individual strokeplay event in what promises to boast a stellar 156-strong field, with the three-year deal leading up nicely to Gleneagles hosting the Solheim Cup in 2019.

Read more -> Scottish Open in huge European Tour boost

Taking place from July 27-30 – the week before the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns – the Ladies Scottish Open will once again be held at Dundonald Links, where Isabelle Boineau (below) triumphed by one shot last year. The Ayrshire course is also hosting the 2017 Scottish Open.

Paul Bush, Director of Events with VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is known around the world as the home of golf and host of the world’s greatest golf events so it is entirely fitting that the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open stands proudly alongside these world-class tournaments on both the LET and the LPGA.

“I would like to pay tribute to both the LET and the LPGA” – Paul Bush

“This historic agreement underlines Scotland’s commitment to women’s golf as we look forward to the 2019 Solheim Cup and I would like to pay tribute to both the LET and the LPGA, alongside our partners at Aberdeen Asset Management, for the vision to make this a reality.”

Read more -> Catriona Matthew named Solheim Cup vice-captain

LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan welcomed the move, saying: “Given Scotland’s rich history in golf, I am excited that the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open will provide an opportunity for the best players in the world to spend two consecutive weeks in Scotland.

“This tournament will be a great lead-in to the RICOH Women’s British Open, and give our global fans a great two-week viewing experience from the UK.”

“It will help to set the perfect stage for the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles” – Ivan Khodabakhsh

Ivan Khodabakhsh, CEO of the Ladies European Tour, added: “With world class women’s golf from across the continents, the event will generate huge interest, beyond the borders of the golf community, which will help to set the perfect stage for the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles.”

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Ladies Scottish Open to be co-sanctioned by LPGA

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