Women's British Open: Turnberry to host 2015 Ricoh
Turnberry’s famous Ailsa course has been announced as the venue for the 2015 Ricoh Women’s British Open.
The four time Open Championship venue 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. This will be the second time that the tournament has visited the Ayrshire coast.
The Ailsa course was also 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, and became the first player to win the tournament three times.
Webb, who has won over 50 international titles in her illustrious career including seven Major titles and is currently ranked World Number 6 on the Official Rolex Rankings, commented, “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.
Webb continued, “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.”
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.
Jordi Tarrida, General Manager of the 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.”
Prior to Turnberry, The Royal Birkdale Golf Club will host its sixth Women’s British Open in 2014, continuing a strong association with the event that goes back to 1982 when Marta Figueras-Dotti took home the coveted title.
The Championship returned in 1986 when England’s Laura Davies triumphed, Sophie Gustafson won in 2000 and five years later Korea’s Jeong Jang claimed her first professional victory by defeating Gustafson and another Korean, Young Kim, by four shots on 16-under par 272. In 2010 Yani Tseng came out on top.
The 2014 Ricoh Women’s British Open will be played 10 – 13 July and is showcased on BBC Television and around the world.
