2017: Dates for the diary
Key Events:
RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN
Kingsbarns, August 3-6
We are all in for a treat when the stars of the game head to Fife, just six miles from St Andrews. It was only opened in 2000, though the land had been used for golf for centuries, and it was the first Scottish course to be built on links land in over 70 years.
It even has its own burn, the Cambo, which was uncovered in the moving of earth and which sits ominously in front of the 18th green.
To sum up, Kingsbarns is stunning with rippling fairways and humps and hollows defining the land.
The sea is visible throughout the whole experience and you can take your pick of so-called signature holes. The par-5 12th that runs along the North Sea coastline is, for many, the stand-out hole while the short 15th, which comes back the other way, will also see plenty of photos taken.
Expect low scores and plenty of acclaim from the players for this new Major venue.
SOLHEIM CUP
Des Moines Golf & Country Club, August 18-20
Europe’s greatest-ever player Annika Sorenstam will finally take charge of the team as they attempt to win the trophy for a third time in four matches. Not surprisingly Juli Inkster will captain America. After what went on in Germany no prizes for guessing what the big talking point will be but new headlines will soon be written in Iowa.
“It was quite intense last year,” Sorenstam said. “I’ve been part of a few intense Solheims. But I think that’s kind of what makes the tournament the way it is. I think we’re just going to keep reminding ourselves we all learned from what’s happened in the past, and we all grow and mature.”
Summer of ’17
ANA Inspiration: Mission Hills – March 30-April 2
British Amateur: Pyle & Kenfig – June 13-17
Women’s PGA Championship: Olympia Fields – June 29-July 2
US Women’s Open: Trump National – July 13-16
Ladies Scottish Open: Dundonald – July 27-30
Evian Championship: Evian Resort – September 14-17
Vagliano Trophy: Circolo Golf Bogogno – June 30-July 1
Home Internationals: Little Aston – August 9-11
British Amateur Stroke Play: North Berwick – September 6-8