Ladies European Tour (LET) - El tridente español de la Solheim Cup

Muñoz, Ciganda y Recari, protagonistas de una Solheim histórica para España.
Hay ocasiones en que la excelencia se impone a la estadística. Un ejemplo de ello es el momento actual del golf femenino español, en el que con apenas 40 licencias de jugadoras profesionales tres españolas están actualmente clasificadas para formar parte de la tropa de élite del equipo europeo que se enfrentará al estadounidense en la próxima Solheim Cup de Colorado en el mes de agosto.
Mientras en otros países con mayor proliferación de jugadoras ven inalcanzable esta cuota de representación entre las doce mejores europeas, Azahara Muñoz, Beatriz Recari y Carlota Ciganda han conseguido algo impensable durante las primeras ediciones de la Solheim, cuando suecas y británicas acaparaban los equipos. De hecho, en 1994 el combinado europeo estuvo compuesto por dos escocesas, cinco inglesas y tres suecas.
Durante aquella edición, Muñoz y Recari tenían siete años y Ciganda, cuatro. Ninguna de ellas sospechaba que 19 años después estarían llamadas a ser la referencia del golf español y europeo. Aunque solo Azahara Muñoz ya sabe lo que implica representar a todo un continente jugando al golf en la máxima competición por equipos del mundo, todas ellas pudieron impregnarse de este espíritu de camaradería y unión de fuerzas en la PING Junior Solheim Cup.
En un entrañable precedente, las tres coincidieron en la edición de 2005 disputada en Carmel, Indiana, en la que junto a Belén Mozo y Marta Silva se enfrentaron al combinado de juniors americanas. Azahara Muñoz lo recuerda con especial cariño, ya que días después vieron in situ la competición de las “mayores”. “Me acuerdo de la ceremonia de inauguración. ¡De repente me estaban saludando Annika Sorenstam y Suzanne Pettersen!”.
Además de disfrutar de sus ídolos en aquella época, la experiencia sirvió para saber lo que le espera al equipo europeo dentro de unas semanas en el Colorado Golf Club. “Me impresionó bastante el ambiente que había con el público. Impone un poco todo lo que chillan. Me hace ilusión disputar esta Solheim por la diferencia que va a suponer respecto a jugar en casa. Ya sabemos cómo se va a comportar el público y por eso hay que ser fuerte”, reflexiona Azahara.

Azahara Muñoz, en la Solheim Cup 2011

En este sentido, ante el reto añadido de jugar fuera de casa, la veterana Muñoz cree que Beatriz Recari será una pieza fundamental del equipo capitaneado por Liselotte Neumann. “No ha jugado mucho en equipos pero eso no va a importar. Lleva un año increíble con un comienzo espectacular y va a ser muy importante para el equipo, sobre todo porque mentalmente es muy fuerte y no le va a afectar absolutamente nada lo de jugar en América con el público en contra”.
La jugadora navarra tenía la espina clavada de no haberse clasificado para la edición del 2011 a pesar de haber ganado en el LPGA Tour un año antes de la Solheim Cup de Killeen Castle. La constancia y el esfuerzo definen su día a día y desde esa dolorosa ausencia se puso manos a la obra para que no le volviera a ocurrir lo mismo. “Fue decepcionante no entrar en el equipo hace dos años, pero lo consideré algo que me haría más fuerte. Desde entonces, mi objetivo ha sido formar parte del equipo a través de los Rolex Rankings (el ranking mundial femenino) y ahora mismo estoy dentro”, explica Recari. El trabajo dio sus frutos y Recari consiguió el pasado mes de marzo su segundo torneo en Estados Unidos, el Kia Classic, y ayer mismo se impuso en el Marathon Classic, una victoria con sabor a Solheim ante Paula Creamer que le permite cumplir su objetivo. “Los últimos dos días de torneo fueron como la Solheim Cup. Ella es una veterana de la Solheim y yo seré novata. Fue genial jugar con ella porque es muy regular. Aunque la eche al rough con el driver y no tenga un tiro claro, termina dejándola cerca de la bandera. El torneo tuvo sabor a match-play y creo que fue genial para las dos. Por así decirlo, era como si estuviéramos tanteándonos”.

Beatriz Recari, en foto de archivo

Entre las veteranas de la competición hay mucha ilusión respecto a lo que van a aportar las dos españolas debutantes y confían en la fortaleza del equipo que luchará por mantener la copa ganada en la última edición. De momento están clasificadas tres novatas (Ciganda, Recari y la alemana Caroline Masson) por lo que se presupone que las elecciones de la capitana acabarán en manos de jugadoras más experimentadas. “Durante algunos torneos del LPGA he hablado con jugadoras como Suzanne Pettersen y Catriona Matthew de lo bien que lo están haciendo las nuevas jugadoras y de lo fuerte que será el equipo junto a las cuatro elegidas por la capitana”, explica Azahara.
Para la malagueña, la de este año será una edición especial porque podrá disputarla junto a su amiga Carlota Ciganda. Crecieron jugando y compitiendo juntas, formando un foursome letal que no conoce la derrota en las muchas veces que representaron a España en su época amateur. La pregunta que se hacían mutuamente según iban creciendo y destacando por fin obtiene la respuesta deseada: “¿Te imaginas poder jugar juntas en la Solheim?”. Tras el último gran año de ambas no será necesario seguir fantaseando. La presencia de ambas es ya una realidad.
Nadie mejor que Azahara Muñoz para explicar el valor que puede aportar Carlota Ciganda al equipo europeo. “Es buenísima en match play. Últimamente está disfrutando más de los torneos en Estados Unidos y le va a encantar la situación. Siempre juega bien en equipo. En los Campeonatos de Europa no se juegan fourballs, pero hemos sido pareja histórica de foursomes y estamos invictas. Jugar a su lado es un sueño. Algo increíble”.

Carlota Ciganda, en el reciente Open de España femenino - Madrid 2020

Ciganda no puede evitar sonreír cuando habla de su gran amiga. “Es una gran jugadora, muy completa en todos los aspectos, pero si por algo destaca es por su cabeza. Va siempre centradísima. De tee a green no falla nada y además patea bien. Por eso está entre las 25 mejores del mundo”, explica la navarra, que también tiene palabras elogiosas para la otra “punta” del tridente español. “De Beatriz es increíble su capacidad de trabajo, las horas que dedica al entrenamiento. Hacía tiempo que no la veía jugar y este año he visto que ha ganado distancia y que también tiene un juego corto espectacular", añade la número 1 del Ladies European Tour en 2012.
Cauta siempre, consciente de la importancia de ir paso a paso en el mundo del golf, Carlota tiene prácticamente asegurado su puesto entre las doce componentes del equipo del viejo continente gracias a sus tres victorias en el Ladies European Tour en apenas un año. Hace unas semanas fue una de las integrantes de la expedición europea a Colorado Golf Club junto a otras jugadoras como Gwladys Nocera, Charley Hull, Maria Hjorth o Caroline Hedwall. “Estuvimos entrenando un par de días el campo, tomando notas con los caddies y con la capitana y Annika Sorenstam. Había un ambiente muy relajado. Hicimos una barbacoa todos juntos y me encantó escuchar a las veteranas contando anécdotas de la Solheim y de las americanas”.
Y ante la responsabilidad de jugar contra las mejores jugadoras americanas del mundo en suelo estadounidense, Ciganda no se encoge. Todo lo contrario. “Me motiva mucho debutar en América con el público de allí. Quiero que haya muchísima gente; cuanta más, mejor. Y para el domingo, sería genial poder enfrentarme a Paula Creamer o Stacy Lewis”. Sus palabras reflejan el sentir general de las tres españolas presentes en Colorado que harán de esta Solheim Cup 2013 una edición histórica para nuestro paíLadies European Tour (LET) - El tridente español de la Solheim Cup

Ladies European Tour (LET) - Davies looking to mount a late Solheim Cup Challenge

Laura Davies at Buckinghamshire Golf Club on Thursday, ahead of the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters at the home of the Ladies European Tour
It's crunch time for Laura Davies with just two weeks to qualify for August’s Solheim Cup in Colorado.
The 49-year-old, who has played in all 12 editions of the tournament since it started in 1990, is determined to qualify for the European Team.
Victory will be the only thing on her mind when she tees up in the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters at Buckinghamshire Golf Club from Friday.
It is the penultimate qualifying tournament before next week’s Ricoh Women’s British Open, when both the European and United States teams will be announced jointly on the evening of Sunday, 4 August.
With the European team comprising the top four from the Ladies European Tour standings, followed by the next top four from the Rolex World Rankings and four wild cards, this week’s tournament represents an opportunity to earn up to 40 Cup points.
Davies is currently 21st on the points list, 66.5 points behind fourth ranked Caroline Masson of Germany. Suzann Pettersen, Carlota Ciganda and Catriona Matthew are the other three players in the top four.
“There are two more weeks. I’m well down the list. I need to have two more weeks, whether it gets me in on automatic points, I’d have to win one probably and top three in the other one,” said Davies, who is hoping to impress European Captain Liselotte Neumann.
“I’m hoping I can do that, or just to show a bit form to the captain. There might be one pick left that’s she’s umming and ahhing about. I think the team pretty much sets up. A lot of people agree about who’s definitely in. There might be one spot left up for grabs and maybe if someone has a strong finish these two weeks they might get the captain’s attention.”
Davies, the event’s all-time points’ scorer, says the fact that she hasn’t got enough points makes her even more determined.
“You want to be there on merit. You don’t want to be a captain’s pick. It means you haven’t done enough for two years to warrant that automatic spot, but then again the picks are there for a reason and sometimes you want something different. Sometimes it’s a new player, sometimes it might be bringing in an experienced player. You want to get the points but its tough. It's a two year qualifying process and unfortunately for me and a lot of other players we haven’t done enough yet.
“It’s everything, really. I’ve played in 12 and 1990 was the first one. That’s a long time to be playing in an event and all of a sudden you’re not good enough to play in it. It’s going to be disappointing but that day will come soon, hopefully not in the next two weeks. Hopefully I’ll do enough because it is quite simply, the most fun you’ll have on tour. Normally we play in individual stuff.”
At the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters, Davies will be first out of the blocks playing from the 10^th with world number seven Karrie Webb and rising star Charley Hull, whom credits Davies as an inspiration.
“It will be fun to see her play again because she reminds me of me,” Davies said on the 17-year-old Hull, who finished second in each of her first five events as a pro this season. “She hits the driver, she goes for every pin. She hits strong putts and very rarely leaves them short.”
Many of The Ladies European Tour’s biggest stars are playing at the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters including Karrie Webb, Sophie Gustafson, Sandra Gal, Caroline Masson, Melissa Reid, Lee-Anne Pace and Cheyenne Woods at the biggest women’s golf tournament in England this year.
Day passes can be bought for £15 on the gate, or £10 for concessions, with a full season ticket at £25.  Under-16s accompanied by an adult, PGA professionals and those with a blue disability badge are admitted free of charge and all car parking is also free.
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Davies looking to mount a late Solheim Cup Challenge

Ladies European Tour (LET) - Simon and Masson share first round lead with sensational 63s

   

SA's Ashleigh Simon holes a putt on the 18th green at Buckinghamshire  GC

South African Ashleigh Simon and Germany’s Caroline Masson shared the first round lead after a spectacular pair of nine-under-par 63s on a glorious morning of sunshine at the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters on Friday.
Solheim Cup hope Masson had a flawless nine-under containing nine birdies and said: “I played really well, hit 17 greens and made one really good save out of the bunker for par. It was solid golf, good putting and when it’s like that, golf is a lot of fun.”
Despite starting early, with a 7.10am tee time, she said: “I had a good breakfast. I was up early at 4.45am so maybe I should do that more often. It was good fun and I really enjoyed it today. I was talking to my caddie about the bunkers because I was at home last week and practising a lot and I had one day where I was hitting it really close out of the bunkers. I’m feeling good out of the bunkers, so it’s confidence. Those longer bunker shots are never that easy but it worked out well.”
Simon made a spectacular finish to tie for the lead with Masson at nine-under 63.
“I managed to birdie the last five holes to finish at nine-under, so I’m very pleased. Last week I finished fifth and played really well; I just made some silly mistakes,” Simon said. “This week I knew if I kept hitting the ball like last week, there was a low one in me. I even had a drop today and that was a three-putt, so disappointing but I stayed in the present and just kept going.
“I hit some really good shots coming in the last few holes and had to hole some putts as well. The greens are superb here. You just have to pick your line and put a good stroke on it and they are going to go in.”
“The course is in great condition. It’s better than last year. I think the rain on Tuesday definitely helped soften it up a bit. You can fire at these pins and they are definitely holding.”

Germany’s Caroline Masson

Australian Rebecca Artis, Klara Spilkova of the Czech Republic and German rookie Ann-Kathrin Lindner all played early and finished at  six-under, with  fellow early starters Cheyenne Woods, Bree Arthur and Kylie Walker joined by Italians Diana Luna and Margherita Rigon a stroke further behind on five-under-par.
There are three places available for the top players who are not yet exempt for the Ricoh Women’s British Open via this week’s tournament.
Woods is looking to book her spot and said afterwards that she was delighted with her round and determined not to let in slip, like she had done the previous week after a first-round 64 in Madrid.
“I felt like I played really steady. One bogey, I felt like I hit the ball well so overall it was a good day,” said Woods, who celebrated her 23^rd birthday on Thursday.
“I definitely learned last week through experiencing it, so this week I feel really good. I’m just going to continue to play steady and not worry about today’s round. Tomorrow is a new day and I’ll just continue my strong play the rest of the week.”
England’s Charley Hull, 17, started well with an eagle on her first hole, the 10^th, and was part of a group at four-under alongside the world No.7, Karrie Webb. Hull and Webb were part of a three-ball with Laura Davies, who opened with a level par 72.
Webb, a veteran seven-time major champion from Australia, was impressed with the teenage Hull.
She said: “What a fantastic talent. Quite a big pairing for her today and she eagled the first hole. I don’t know how many nerves were there but very impressive. We joked that out there, she is a member at Woburn and that’s where I won my first British Open and it was a year before she was born so that puts things in perspective. I think she’ll be around for a long time!”
The ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters is live on Sky Sports in HD and on mobile and tablet devices via Sky Go.
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Simon and Masson share first round lead with sensational 63s

Wines of Portugal sponsors Ladies European Tou

9th July 2013, Denham, England:
The Ladies European Tour today announced that it has signed a one-year agreement with Wines of Portugal under which the brand will become the Official Wine of the Tour.
A national service body for the Portuguese wine industry, Wines of Portugal was founded in 1997 to strategically support, coordinate and maintain quality and sales.
Its main goal is to position Portuguese wines strategically in both home and export markets, especially in those markets that have big growth potential.
ViniPortugal is responsible for the promotion of the Wines of Portugal brand, organising trade tastings, participation in trade fairs, promotions and advertising campaigns, as well as media and trade visits to wine regions.
Marketing Director for Wines of Portugal, Nuno Vale, says:  “LET and Wines of Portugal are a perfect match. The association to LET translates in sports the attributes of Portuguese wines. A traditional sector, full of heritage, but mastered by a new generation of dynamic winemakers, that have had the intelligence of taking the best of a country full of diversity that through unconventional ways led Portuguese wines to the very top level of international winemaking. As LET, Portuguese wines started their base in Europe but are now conquering the world.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Ivan Khodabakhsh, CEO of the LET, who said: “There are many synergies between Wines of Portugal and the Ladies European Tour including quality, flair and unique character. We are delighted to partner with a brand that will enhance the world class hospitality on offer at Ladies European Tour events and we are pleased to welcome Wines of Portugal to our family of Official Suppliers.”

 

Ladies European Tour (LET) - Allianz to partner Beatriz Recari and Ricoh Women’s British Open

 

Allianz today took another significant step into the world of women’s golf as they announced they are partnering both Spain’s Beatriz Recari and the 2013 Ricoh Women’s British Open.
Allianz, one of the world’s strongest financial communities, is already an important and prolific supporter of golf globally. Since 2009, they have been a global partner of St Andrews Links in Scotland, the Home of Golf, and a partner of Golf Club St. Leon-Rot in Germany,  initiator and organiser of the very popular junior golfing initiative Lucky 33. Further more, Allianz Life in the US is a long-term title sponsor of the ‘Allianz Championship’, an annual PGA Champions Tour Event taking place in Florida.
At the end of last year Allianz announced it would support the Solheim Cup 2015, the most prestigious women’s golf event in the world, taking place at Golf Club St. Leon-Rot. This, combined with the new partnership announced today, represents a significant step for women’s golf and a strategic statement for Allianz as they commit to both a global golfer and a Major Championship. In celebration, Allianz has launched an online gathering point for golf fans, facebook.com/AllianzGolf. They have opened up a competition giving away spots to play with Recari in the Pro-Am at St Andrews Links on 30 July 2013, before the Open.
Dr. Christian Deuringer, Head of Global Brand Management, Allianz SE said, “Allianz has been a strong supporter of golf for many years. We are now taking our engagement to new places, in new directions, and pioneering innovative ways to build on the success we have achieved to date and to reach new audiences. In particular we will focus on working with partners like St Andrews Links and Golf Club St. Leon-Rot to make golf more accessible to new players, especially women and youth. We are therefore delighted to make this announcement today, as we are sure that Beatriz Recari and the Ricoh Women’s British Open together with our other partnerships will offer us all the elements we are looking for to further develop our global golf programme. We look forward to the summer ahead!”
Beatriz Recari, a winner on both the LET and LPGA Tour is currently at a career high No. 24 on the Official Rolex Rankings. In 2012 she played 27 events and made a phenomenal 27 cuts and in 2013 she began the year with two top five finishes before winning the Kia Classic in a thrilling play-off. She will not only be the main female face of Allianz’ social media and digital golf programme this year, but she will also become a mentor for a soon to be announced young golfer’s initiative taking place at St Andrews Links in September 2013.
The Ricoh Women’s British Open will take place at The Old Course, St Andrews from 1 – 4 August and is the most international of the majors with last year’s field including 27 nationalities and 20 Major Champions. The 2012 edition took place at Royal Liverpool and South Korea’s Jiyai Shin won her second Ricoh Women’s British Open title.
Recari commented, “Allianz is a fantastic brand and I am so pleased that they have chosen to work with me. They have great credentials in both business and golf and I am excited to be a part of their plans going forward. I hope that I can deliver on course and help Allianz achieve their goal of inspiring the next generation of young golfers.”
IMG Tournament Director, Ross Hallett, added, “On behalf of IMG and event owner, the Ladies Golf Union, I am thrilled to welcome Allianz as partner to the Ricoh Women’s British Open. We have developed the Ricoh Women’s British Open into a leading event that is an attractive platform for a blue-chip brand like Allianz. They have exciting plans for women’s golf and their work with young golfers developing their game is growing all the time. We very much look forward to working with Allianz not just this year, but hopefully in future.”
This year fans will again be able to watch the BBC’s extensive live coverage of the Ricoh Women’s British Open in HD (high definition) on all four days of the Championship, underlining the significance of the event in the BBC’s sports portfolio.
The Ricoh Women’s British Open was founded by the LGU in 1976 and is staged in conjunction with IMG, the world’s largest sports marketing company. The event has been co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET since 1994 and gained Major status in 2001.
Ricoh, the leading technology provider of Managed Document Services and Production Printing, has been the title sponsor of the Ricoh Women’s British Open since 2007.
The Allianz Pro-Am competition to play with Beatriz Recari at St Andrews Links on 30 July closes on 15 July 2013. To enter, visit facebook.com/AllianzGolf.
 Ladies European Tour (LET) - Allianz to partner Beatriz Recari and Ricoh Women’s British Open

Ladies European Tour (LET) - Fans encouraged to purchase 2013 Solheim Cup tickets in advance before price increase

 

With just more than a month remaining before Team USA takes on Team Europe in the Solheim Cup at Colorado Golf Club, tickets and packages for the international event are selling out fast.
Fans are encouraged to purchase their passes in July, before prices go up the week of the match-play event, which is scheduled for Aug. 13-18. Starting Aug. 12, prices for Solheim Cup tickets and various packages will increase.
Practice-day grounds passes will go up from $37 to $45 per day and match-day grounds passes from $67 to $75 per day, both for walk-ups at the Colorado Golf Club gate and online. Weekly passes increase from $127 to $140 on Aug. 12, and fans will only be able to purchase those online the week of the event.
“The Solheim Cup will be here before we know it, and so we are urging fans to go ahead and secure their passes for the event early,” Solheim Cup Tournament Director Becky Newell said. “We expect more than 120,000 people to come through Colorado Golf Club the week of the event, and we have been encouraged by ticket sales thus far. It’s going to be a week golf fans will not want to miss, so go get your tickets now!”
In addition, here is some other ticket-related news:
·      PING Pavilion passes – for the special VIP, air-conditioned area close to the 15^th green – are nearly sold out, so fans should act fast if they want to experience that special one-of-a-kind way to watch the action. They are $347 apiece and will not be available online or at the CGC gate the week of the event;
·      If fans plan on attending multiple days, the Parking and Program package is a great option to save time and money. General parking will be $5 every day Tuesday through Sunday, and only cash will be accepted in the parking lots;
·      Will call will be located in downtown Parker at the P.A.C.E Center at 20000 Pikes Peak Ave;
·      Solheim After Sundown, the week’s kick-off event scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, that will feature live music and entertainment, is sold out;
·      As always, children 17 and under get in free with a paid adult admission.
For more information, or to order tickets, log on to SolheimCupUSA.com or call 1-800-2SOLHEIM (765-4346).
ABOUT THE SOLHEIM CUP
The Solheim Cup combines the tradition and prestige of the game of golf with passion for one’s country. This biennial, trans-Atlantic team match-play competition features the best U.S.-born players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and the best European members from the Ladies European Tour (LET).

The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten Solheim, the founder of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which makes PING golf equipment. In 1990, the Solheim family, in conjunction with the LPGA and the LET, developed the concept and became the title sponsor for The Solheim Cup, professional golf’s international match-play competition for women. Held every two years, the event has grown into the most prestigious international women’s professional golf team event. The Solheim Cup is the most highly coveted trophy in women’s profes­sional golf team competition; some of the most memorable moments in women’s golf have happened during Solheim Cups, and berths on the U.S. and European teams are highly coveted by players from both organizations.

The 2013 Solheim Cup will take place Aug. 13-18 at Colorado Golf Club in Parker, Colo. The European Team enters the competition holding the Cup and will need 14 points to retain it, with the U.S. Team needing 14½ points to regain the coveted Waterford Crystal prize. The U.S. squad holds an 8-4 lead in the series, which began in 1990, and is undefeated (6-0) on U.S. soil.
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Fans encouraged to purchase 2013 Solheim Cup tickets in advance before price increase

Ladies European Tour (LET) - Woods and Hull form part of star studded field for ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters

The ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters will feature an all-star cast when 126 players compete for a 400,000 euro prize fund at Buckinghamshire Golf Club on July 26-28.

The tournament will see one of the best fields of the 2013 season tee up just outside the capital, at the home of the Ladies European Tour.

Players to watch include Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger and fellow American Christina Kim, known for her extrovert on-course antics, especially in The Solheim Cup.

Successful European Solheim Cup players from Ireland two years ago, Sophie Gustafson of Sweden and Sandra Gal of Germany, add to the international flavour. They will be joined by this year’s Solheim Cup hopefuls Caroline Masson of Germany and Frenchwoman Gwladys Nocera, who won the Allianz Ladies Slovak Open last weekend.

Rising British star Charley Hull

The top British players to watch include Laura Davies, Charley Hull, Holly Clyburn, Melissa Reid and Carly Booth.

All of the players want the trophy badly. Davies has 80 worldwide titles, including four major championships, on her mantle, but a victory near her Surrey home would improve the 49-year-old’s chances of making a 13^th appearance on the European Solheim Cup team. At present, she is the only player to have played in every edition since 1990.

This is the penultimate qualifying event on the LET before both the European and United Solheim Cup teams are announced the following weekend at St Andrews, on Sunday, August 4.

European Captain Liselotte Neumann will be attending over the weekend to keep a watchful eye on the prospective team members and to hand over the trophy to the winner on Sunday.

Hull is another player who wants the trophy badly. The 17-year-old from Northamptonshire started her professional career with five runner-up finishes in her first five events and is keen to get her first win.

Fellow rookie professional, Clyburn, from Lincolnshire, won her first LET title at the Deloitte Ladies Open in Holland in May and will be confident of putting on another strong show.

With four wins in five years on the Ladies European Tour, Derbyshire’s Reid will be keen to get another victory to prove herself to Captain Neumann and make a second appearance on the European Solheim Cup team this August at Colorado Golf Club.

After two wins last year, Scotland’s Booth, who recently posed nude for ESPN’s ‘Body Issue’ will also be keen to step up for the British fans.

Nocera wants the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters trophy, to improve her chances of making a fourth Solheim Cup appearance.

The 38-year-old ISPS HANDA Order of Merit leader said: “Solheim Cup is my goal this year and I’m trying to play well to get into the team. This tournament is the best, so I’m trying my best to get in. I’m playing in everything.”

Nocera tied for 18^th in the ISPS HANDA Ladies British Masters at Buckinghamshire Golf Club 12 months ago and added: “Last year I really enjoyed the course so I know it’s a course that suits my game. The tournament is great and I saw the prize fund increase and that’s really great.”

The Frenchwoman’s recent stretch of form suggests she will be one to watch, along with Helen Alfredsson, Trish Johnson, Lee-Anne Pace and Becky Brewerton along with Marianne Skarpnord, Stacey Keating and Karen Lunn.

Tickets are now available for the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters taking place on 26^th-28^th July at Buckinghamshire Golf Club in Denham, near London. To pre-register now, visit: www.ladieseuropeanmasters.com.

There is a special offer price of just £10 for a season ticket for those that pre-register online - less than half the price of buying tickets on the gate.Entry is free for spectators with disabilities, Under 16s and qualified PGA Professionals.

The ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters promises to be one of the summer’s best sporting and social events set within the perfect setting of the beautiful Buckinghamshire Golf Club.

Located just 25 minutes from central London, the tournament will provide a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere from which to enjoy a full day’s action on and off the golf course.

A portion of the admission fee will be used toward raising monies for good causes, namely ISPS HANDA, which is committed to promoting blind and disabled golf.

Ladies European Tour (LET) - Woods and Hull form part of star studded field for ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters

Ladies European Tour (LET) - Inclusive Clinic Tees-Off ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters

 

A host of famous faces from the Ladies European Tour (LET) in conjunction with the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS) will be offering free golf lessons for individuals with disabilities at Buckinghamshire Golf Club on 5^th July, ahead of the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters.

The clinic will provide ten burgeoning golfers with an all-encompassing golf lesson courtesy of Craig Thomas, PGA professional from the Golf Academy and LET member Sarah Bennett, who is currently the Head PGA Teaching Golf Professional at Three Rivers Golf Course in full view of LET pros Hannah Burke and Henrietta Zuel.

Through the work of the tournament’s title sponsor, ISPS, and in association with the PGA, the ISPS Handa PGA Academy Programme offers those with disabilities the chance to be part of the action and practice their swing in specially designed nets.

ISPS Chairman and Japanese Philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, has campaigned relentlessly to make golf accessible to blind and disabled golfers and the programme is going from strength to strength.

Dr. Handa is a devoted golf supporter who has played a significant role in showcasing the women's game around the globe. ISPS, the organisation that he founded in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world, currently sponsors more than a dozen professional golf events worldwide, including three tournaments on the 2013 Ladies European Tour schedule: the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open (won by Lydia Ko), the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open (won by Jiyai Shin) and the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters, being played on July 26-28 at Buckinghamshire Golf Club.

In 2012, ISPS became the title sponsor of the LET’s Order of Merit (won by Carlota Ciganda) and the ISPS Handa Ladies British Masters (won by Lydia Hall). ISPS continues to sponsor the LET’s Order of Merit (currently led by Charley Hull).

This year’s clinic will be attended by a number of golfers with a diverse range of disabilities including amputee Andrew Skinner, Tony Lloyd, who has shortened arms as a result of phocomelia, Matthew Spellar, Nathan Hill, Dave Reany, Gina Collier, Mark Fosbrook, Mark Smith, Martin Anderson and Alan Brunjes, some of whom may have the opportunity to play in the tournament Pro-Am.

All golfers with disabilities can take advantage of free entry to the ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters at The Buckinghamshire on July 26-28 with complimentary golf lessons available throughout the event. Organisers are encouraging everyone, both new and familiar with the game, to come along and have a go.

About ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters:

http://www.ladieseuropeanmasters.com/index.php

About ISPS:

ISPS is the International Sports Promotion Society, a ‘General Incorporated Association’ based in Tokyo. ISPS is an organisation founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa in 2006 to support charitable causes throughout the sporting world. ISPS has fostered partnerships with golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf. http://www.ispsgolf.com/home
 Ladies European Tour (LET) - Inclusive Clinic Tees-Off ISPS HANDA Ladies European Masters

Ladies European Tour (LET) - More than just one player: Norway in Solheim Cup is crucial

   

The Solheim Cup Team in 2003. Suzann is on front row (3rd from left)

When you talk about Solheim Cup and Norway, you are talking about just one player and just one name: Suzann Pettersen.
The only Norwegian member of the European Team, Pettersen has been a key player on six teams.
In 2002, Suzann made her first appearance in Minnesota as the youngest member playing the Solheim Cup and won her first point and match playing foursome with Sweden’s Helen Alfredson. At present time, she continues being youngest competitor in the event history with 21 years. That year, Suzann scored a total of 1 and a half points, but that was only the beginning of a great performance on this event.

Suzann in 2002, her first appearance

“This was my first Solheim, and I got in on a wildcard! Interlachen was a great experience and I really wanted to prove my spot on the team! A good memory is the match against Michelle Redman, my fighting spirit came all out! “
But her European performance and her success in the European Team started some years before, more precisely in 1997 during the Junior Ryder Cup in Valderrama, Spain. That was probably the first time she had the chance to meet one of her heroes and inspiration, Seve Ballesteros. This event has been the platform from which successful professional careers have been launched for several players. Spaniard Sergio Garcia played in the 1995 exhibition match and four years later was part of the full European Team at The Country Club in Brookline, while Suzann played for the first time in 1997 and then in 1999 before becoming Norway’s top female golfer and taking part in six Solheim Cups.
In 2003, Norway was also present in Solheim Cup, on both events including Ping Junior Solheim Cup. The 2003 British Girls Champion Marianne Skarpnord also played in the winning European Junior Solheim Cup team at Bogskogens GC in Sweden. She won her individual match and helped the team to beat US with a final result 12.5 – 11.5. Suzann played 5 matches and won 4 of total of 17.5 points, the highest result up to date for the team. This was an extraordinary victory of the European Team at Barsebäck Golf and Country Club, Malmo, Sweden for the third time.

Suzann in 2003, with Annika

“A fantastic venue , the crowds were enormous and what a fantastic week! Team europe won with Nilsmark as a captain! Played my first matches paired with Annika! The party after play on Sunday must be the best one !! “

In 2005 at Indiana this time, Suzann’s performance was brilliant one more time and did not lose a single match. She won 1 fourball, 1 foursome and halved another 2 matches to add 3 more points to her records. Unfortunately, Team Europe did not win that edition and the US hegemony started until 2011. And again, Norway was also represented by young Lene Krog in the Junior team, who won 2 of her 3 matches, but this time was not victroy for the EU Junior team either. We will need to wait until next edition.

“Always tough coming back to the US to defend! It's a big difference in the support you get from the fans. A tough defeat, but we fought hard to the very end! Remember I played a best ball with Laura, it was some of the best golf I've ever seen ! “

In 2007, back again in Sweden, Suzann earned 2 more points for the EU team and this was probably the hardest year for them. This edition was the second time for the Europeans to lose the Cup on their own soil.

Pettersen in 2007

“Back in Sweden, weather was horrendous, but the atmosphere was incredible! My good friend Alfie was captain! “

In 2009, in Illinois, Suzann did not have her best year at this event and won 1 match only. This was not the time for Team Europe and they lost 12-16. Norway was also present at the Ping Junior Solheim Cup with Tonje Daffinrud, from Tonsberg.

 “Ali as captain, the city of Chicago. Everything was set for another great fight between the two teams! It felt like we had a chance to win this one! “

In 2011, Suzann's performance was crucial and helped the team to their fourth victory.  She won 3 out of her 4 matches. The individual match she played versus Michelle Wie will be in our minds for ever… She recorded the best individual round score 65 (-7) and finished with 3 final birdies to overcome a match that was initially down.

Suzann in most recent edition, 2011, holing her final putt 

“Killeen Castle must be the best one so far! The victory that pretty much was decided on the last shot! An intense but fun week! We nailed it;)”

In the total of 6 appearances, Suzann has been in two EU victories and earned a total of 14.5 points, which means she is the 5^thEuropean player who earned the most. Laura Davies is the first with total of 25, having played in every Solheim Cup.

In 2013, Suzann won a new Ladies European event, the World Ladies Championship in Mission Hills and she is currently Rolex Rankings No. 3. When asked recently during a LPGA in Hawaii how excited she is looking at the team that is coming together she answered:

“It's kind of interesting.  I mean, if you look at them now, our team is looking a little different.  I mean, when I used to start playing the Solheims, half the team was Swedish.  We had the No. 1 player in the world who was the most dominant player ever, and couple of English.  It was almost like guaranteed team just sitting right on the paper.  Everyone was playing well."

 "Now things have changed…. Now I think there is a lot of new young players knocking on the door who wants to be the a team.  I don't think that's a disadvantage.  They're hungry and want to perform and get out there.  A lot of them already have a lot of great experiences from playing in the Junior Solheim. So I think our team is, as of now, looking good.  I think we have more and more players starting to play good."

 “If you look at Kraft, I remember standing on the 18th green and looking at the scoreboard, and all of a sudden I'm like, There are six Europeans in the top 10, top 12, which is probably the first time ever.  It was good.”

 This is a signal that something is changing in European Team and Solheim Cup. Maybe this is the year to make history and win the Cup for the first time in US soil, just like as Tony Jacklin and his team did back in 1987…. And Suzanne will be probably there, just like her hero Seve was.
 

Best memories from past editions and reasons

Barseback was the first win for me, all the matches I played with Annika, especially the best ball Saturday afternoon! One of my really special moments!

Ireland must maybe be the highlight! It's always more fun to win then to lose!

But how it all came down to the last matches on Sunday and how we all managed to stay focused and right on top of our games was very impressive! A great team effort! Good party as well!

Most disappointed edition and reason

Rich Harvest Farm, I felt we had the best team to compete the Americans on their soil! We really had a chance going into Sunday, and its always disappointing not to pull if off!

Best/favourite team

Ireland 2011!! There is only one Ali, super Ali!

Her inspiration on some editions

I've learned to fight to the very end. I love the team atmosphere and it makes me find energy and spirit! I've learned a lot from the best, Annika has been a great tutor for myself! To never give up, always try to find a way to out that blue number on the board!

Any anecdote, fun fact to share with us from any edition

There are way too many. But I can say that all the Solheim cups I've played have all been different in their own way. And I must say that some of my best memories from the golf course through my career come from the Solheims!

Relation with the Norwegian Federation and support from Norway

Golf is growing fast in Norway, and its fun to see all the kids picking up this great game!

Ladies European Tour (LET) - More than just one player: Norway in Solheim Cup is crucial

Rory has a tough start to the Irish Open

 

 

June 27, 2013

MAYNOOTH, Ireland (AP) -- Rory McIlroy admits he's "feeling lost" after carding a 2-over 74 on the opening day of the Irish Open on Thursday.
McIlroy managed just two birdies in wet and overcast conditions at the Carton House course on the outskirts of Dublin.
It left the Official World Golf Rankings No. 2 golfer trailing seven shots behind clubhouse leader and playing partner, Shane Lowry.
Once again, McIlroy struggled with the driver.
"At the moment, no aspects of my game are strong and I'm just feeling a bit lost at the moment," he said.
"It feels good on the range and I can hit all the shots but when I get out on the course it really does not seem to be there.
"Off the tee, I am missing one right and then missing one left and it's just not going where I want it. It gets you in two minds every time you are playing a tee shot.
"The game is just not coming easy to me at the moment and while I was struggling at this point last year, I was able to turn the corner in the middle of the summer and have a great end to my season.
"I don't know whether it's a matter of trying to play my way out of it or just keep grinding away on the range or whatever."
Lowry captured the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009. Earlier this year, Lowry also humbled his good friend McIlory in bundling him out of the opening round of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona.

Now he has again upstaged McIlroy in a display that included six birdies and just one bogey.

"I was just chomping at the bit to get out there this morning and I was just trying to play me way into the tournament nicely so I'm really pleased with a 67," he said.
"But it's really a privilege to be able to play on my home golf course, stay in my own house, and have all my family and friends up home to watch me. What more could a professional golfer want?"
Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, who also played with Lowry and McIlroy and who won the event in 2006 when it was last played at Carton House, shared second place on 4 under with England's Paul Casey and Australia's Andrew Dodt.
 

Power Rankings - A T & T National

Power Rankings: AT&T National - 

Rank	Player		Comment
		Jason DAY	He's tailored his game to fit Congressional. After a solo second at the 2011 U.S. Open, he posted a T8 at last year's AT&T National, ranking second in greens hit for the week. Tied for second in his last start at Merion two weeks ago.
		Brandt SNEDEKER	Rested following a T17 at Merion. Six top 10s on the season. Sits 16th in fairways hit, 17th in GIR, 22nd in strokes gained-putting, 11th in adjusted scoring and T1 in par-4 scoring. Top 10s at AT&T National in 2007 and 2009.
		Hunter MAHAN	Hasn't flashed consistency that he wants, but results suggest he's close. Placed T4 at Merion; 11 top 25s this season. Superb record at Congressional: T8 (2007), T12 (2008), second (2009), T8 (2012). Held 36-hole lead here last year.
		Adam SCOTT	He's 3-for-3 with two top 20s since winning the Masters. Finished in third place at Congressional last year. Ranked inside top 15 in fairways and greens hit; seventh in strokes gained-putting. Currently fourth in adjusted scoring.
		Billy HORSCHEL	Most recent of PGA TOUR-leading seven top 10s was a T4 at the U.S. Open. Ranks eighth in total driving, 25th in greens in regulation, 17th in strokes gained-putting, 10th in adjusted scoring and T4 in par-4 scoring.
		Graham DeLAET	Matched his career-best finish on the PGA TOUR with a solo third at the Travelers. Ranked T13 in fairways hit, led the field in GIR and ranked T2 in both proximity and par-4 scoring. Four straight top 25s; 11 on the season.
		Bill HAAS	Only cut made in his last four starts was a T4 at the Memorial. It's one of six top 10s (and nine top 25s) this season. Currently 21st in greens in regulation, 23rd in scrambling, 48th in adjusted scoring and third in par-4 scoring.
		Ryan PALMER	Prior to missing the cut at Merion, he went 7-for-7 with four top 15s, two of which went for top fives. Shared 15th place at last year's AT&T National, ranking inside the top 10 in distance, proximity, scrambling and par-4 scoring.
		Rickie FOWLER	In his only previous appearance at Congressional, he missed the cut at the 2011 U.S. Open, but he's played well of late. Chased a T10 at Merion with a T13 at the Travelers, closing with a 6-under 64. Sits 25th in the all-around.
		John HUH	Tied for 17th in his debut at Congressional last year. Ranked inside the top 10 in fairways hit, greens in regulation and proximity. Currently 15th on TOUR in accuracy and T72 in GIR. Three top 20s in his last five starts.
		Martin LAIRD	Polished off a T21 at Merion with a 2-under 68, third-lowest in the finale. Also won the Valero Texas Open and placed T5 at THE PLAYERS in the last two months. Tied for 11th at last year's AT&T National. Ranks T17 in total driving.
		Scott STALLINGS	One of the hottest in the game over the past month with a pair of T4s and a T2 (FedEx St. Jude Classic). His game tee-to-green has remained steady during the spurt, but he's risen 46 spots in strokes gained-putting to 52nd.
		Bo VAN PELT	Took runner-up honors here last year. Co-led the field in total driving, ranked T8 in greens hit, sixth in proximity to the hole and first in par-4 scoring. Held outright 18-hole lead after a 67. He's 13-for-16 this season with six top 25s.
		Kevin CHAPPELL	Extended his knack for performing well on difficult tracks with a solo second at Muirfield Village four weeks ago. Shared third place at the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional. One of the TOUR's most accurate from 75-125 yards.
		Pat PEREZ	Hasn't played since sharing eighth place at Memorial where he ranked T5 in greens hit. Overall, he's 23rd on TOUR in GIR, 42nd in adjusted scoring and T2 in par-3 scoring. Record at Congressional includes a T3 in 2007 and a T12 in 2008.