Turnberry to host Women’s British Open

Famous Ayrshire resort will stage ladies’ event for second time in 2015

Taking its Turn: The Ailsa Course at Turnberry has been confirmed to host the 2015 Ricoh Women’s British Open

Turnberry’s famous Ailsa Course was been confirmed as the venue for the 2015 Ricoh Women’s British Open. This will be only the second time in the championship’s history that it will have visited the famous Ayrshire destination.

A host of the four Open Championships, Turnberry was the scene of the Women’s British Open Championship in 2002 when Australia’s Karrie Webb won this prestigious title for a third time.

A top-quality links, the Ailsa course was the scene of the 1977 Open Championship and provided the stage for the famous ‘Duel in the Sun’. In brilliant sunshine, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson went head-to-head over the final two days, with Watson eventually finishing a shot clear of his rival, and 11 shots ahead of the rest of the field. Turnberry also hosted the Open in 1986 (Greg Norman) 1994 (Nick Price) and more recently in 2009 (Stewart Cink).

Webb’s triumph at Turnberry in 2002 saw her open with a stunning first round 66 and close the tournament out with the same score. She came from three strokes back in the final round to clinch victory with a flawless final round over the Ailsa Course. In winning, she became the first player to win the championship three times.

Webb, who has won over 50 international titles in her illustrious career including seven major titles and is currently ranked No.6 on the women’s world rankings, said: “I am really pleased to hear that the Ricoh Women’s British Open will be returning to Turnberry.

“I have wonderful memories of winning the 2002 championship and I can’t wait to return in 2015. Turnberry is one of the best courses I have played so I hope I can continue on from where I left off in 2002!

“All the players enjoyed the experience of competing on the famous Ailsa Course last time round so I think this news will be very enthusiastically received by everyone.”

Shona Malcolm, the LGU’s CEO said: “We are delighted to be returning to Turnberry which has welcomed the championship back with great enthusiasm.

“This decision continues the championship committee’s commitment to ensuring that the world’s best women players showcase their talents on the world’s best golf courses in years to come.

“As the history books show, Turnberry provides a wonderful stage for major golf and I am sure we will see another dramatic championship in 2015. We are grateful to EventScotland for its continued support and to South Ayrshire Council for recognising the value to business and tourism in hosting a Championship of this quality.”

Jordi Tarrida, the general manager of Turnberry Resort, added: “We are very proud of our reputation as one of the world’s most renowned golf resorts and our history as a major championship venue. Hosting the Women’s British Open in 2002 was a fantastic experience so we are delighted to be working once again with the LGU and IMG and bringing the 2015 championship back to Turnberry.”

The 2015 event will see the championship played in Scotland for the third time in five years following Carnoustie in 2011 and St Andrews, where this year’s tournament gets underway tomorrow.

Scotland’s regular hosting of the event is part of a ten-year investment by EventScotland which will see the championship played in the Home of Golf every second year until 2019.

Prior to Turnberry, Royal Birkdale Golf Club will host its sixth Women’s British Open in 2014.

To find out more, log-on to www.ricohwomensbritishopen.com

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor