Top Women Golfers Head To Ashburnham

A strong field of more than 90 players will contest the Welsh Ladies Open Stroke Play Championship when it returns to Ashburnham Golf Club for the fourth time in the event’s 40 year history.

David Wilson, Championship Manager for the Golf Union of Wales, said, “We continue to work hard to raise the profile of this event and we are delighted to be rewarded by the strength of the entry this year.

“Ashburnham is a superb championship links, in tremendous condition, and will provide a great test for all the players.”

Welsh interest is headed by current Welsh Ladies Amateur Champion Katherine O’Connor along with fellow Welsh internationals including Lauren Hillier, Bethan Morris, Jordan Ryan and Georgia Lewis.

All will be seeking to emulate the success of Tenby’s Becky Harries winner of the Championship when it was last held at Ashburnham in 2012.

The Welsh Players will have to hold off the usual strong challenge from English players including Sophie Lamb, Georgia Price and Gemma Clews ranked first, second and third respectively on the 2016 England Golf Ladies Order of Merit.

The Championship will benefit from the presence of a host of strong Scottish and Irish players. The Scottish entry includes Eilidh Briggs, winner of this event in 2014, along with international colleagues Hannah McCook and Gabrielle Macdonald.

Irish Internationals Jessica Ross, runner up at Conwy in 2016, and Curtis Cup player Maria Dunne will be amongst the favourites for the title this year.

Ashburnham manager Damion Gee said, “We have a long history of hosting top level events here at Ashburnham.

“We look forward to welcoming all of the players to the club and feel sure they will enjoy the challenge provided by our links course.”

The competitors will play 36 holes over the first two days (5/6 May) before being cut to the top 45 and ties for the final round on Sunday 7 May with the leaders expected to tee off at around 11:00am.

Visitors are welcome to watch some of the best women amateur players in the UK compete for the Welsh Ladies Open Stroke Play title.