Major champions make same St Andrews admission

The AIG Women’s Open returns to the Old Course at St Andrews next week.

Despite not hosting the event since 2013, the famous Fife links hasn’t dropped in popularity on tour.

In fact, ahead of this week’s Women’s Scottish Open, two LPGA Tour stars and major champions are in agreement.

Georgia Hall – who won the AIG Women’s Open in 2018 – and Celine Boutier, the winner of the 2023 Evian Championship, reckon St Andrews should feature more in the women’s game.

Men’s professional golf is treated to the iconic venue on a more recent basis, hosting the DP World Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and The Open every five years.

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There is, however, no event dedicated to the Home of Golf in the women’s schedule, while the Women’s Open has only visited twice – first in 2007.

But Hall says she would welcome the opportunity to see it more.

“Whatever event they have at St Andrews, I’ll play in it, even a small one,” the Englishwoman said. “It’s my favourite place to be.

“I’m not sure that in my career I’ll ever get to play St Andrews again for the Women’s Open. I’m going to try and make the most of it, be in the best mindset I can be in and enjoy the week.”

Hall finished as the tied low amateur at the Old Course, when Stacy Lewis lifted the title 11 years ago.

For Boutier, 30, it was a T56 finish, also marking next week as her second Women’s Open appearance on the links.

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Before defending her crown at Dundonald this week, she said “for sure,” when asked about St Andrews becoming a more frequent stop.

“It’s such an iconic golf course, and I had a chance to play when it was last there, and it was such a special experience. Any time you have the chance to play the Old Course, it’s always great.

“To have such a big tournament there is something you look forward to. It’s such a dream to be able to have those kinds of events, and even have potential to win there would be a dream come true as a golfer.”

The AIG Women’s Open will take place from August 21-25.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.