R&A announce ‘British’ being dropped from Women’s Open tournament name

[ASFN Admin]

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Whilst it is feared that some of the world’s top female golfers will not show up for the British major at Royal Troon next month, the R&A; has still delivered some great news for the tournament. It is believed that several of the leading Korean professionals have elected not to travel to Scotland because of the coronavirus, leaving the first female major of the season minus several of the top 20 in the rankings. However, there will rightly still be a feelgood factor for next month’s event, which will take place even though this month’s Open Championship was cancelled. The R&A; is committed to raising the profile and prestige of the tournament for which it now has sole responsibility and that is why Wednesday’s announcement of a name change and a sponsorship extension was so important. To put it in line with the male major, it will drop the “British” from its title and now be known as the Women’s Open. Furthermore, AIG, a US insurance company, have signed up for an extra two years, taking the deal up to 2025. With the AIG Women’s Open following up its first time at Troon, with a visit to another classic links at Royal Porthcawl next year - with Muirfield whispered as another future host - these are progressive times for the 44-year-old featurepiece. “The R&A; and AIG share a long-term vision for the AIG Women’s Open,” Martin Slumbers, the R&A; chief executive, said “The AIG Women’s Open is a global championship and its new name reflects its growing stature and broadening international appeal. Georgia Hall, the 2018 champion, was one of the first to welcome the news, praising AIG for “continuing to support women’s golf, particularly in the face of a pandemic”. The 25-year-old Englishwoman today plays in the sixth tournament of the Rose Ladies Series, in which she will try to make inroads on Charley Hull’s lead in the American Golf Order of Merit with three events remaining. Hull also tees it up at Bearwood Lakes - the exclusive club in Berkshire - as does last week’s winner Gabriella Cowley.

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