Organisers of the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic are ecstatic, following an overwhelming player response to the inaugural event which will showcase a who's who of Australian women's professional golf when the event tees off on 29 January.
Headlining the star studded field are current ANZ Ladies Masters champion Katherine Hull, Australia's No. 2, Lindsey Wright, three time LPGA winner Wendy Doolan and home town favourite, multiple winner on the LPGA of Japan, Nikki Campbell.
US LPGA Tour players Sarah Kemp and Sarah-Jane Smith will challenge, along with Ladies European Tour multiple winners Nikki Garrett, Karen Lunn and Joanne Mills.Add to these, a plethora of young talent including rising stars, Kristie Smith, Rebecca Flood, Kate Combes and Sarah Oh, the field includes 37 of the top 40 players on the ALPG Tour Order of Merit.
The Aussie contingent will not have it to themselves however, as they will face off against former World No.1 and current Australian Open Champion Laura Davies, who recently confirmed her entry.Arguably the biggest drawcard in women's golf, Davies MBE / CBE, has accumulated over 70 titles worldwide, including four Major championships. In her first visit to the nation's capital, she will be eager to add the ActewAGL title to her long list of achievements and fans are sure to be entertained by her long hitting and aggressive playing style.
The tournament has also provided an opportunity for Australia's future stars to mix it with the great names following the inclusion of the NSW and National elite amateur squads to the limited field of 76 players.
Offering $125,000 in prizemoney, the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic launches the ALPG Tour's 2010 major tournament schedule which includes the Bing Lee/Samsung NSW Women's Open; Pegasus New Zealand Women's Open; ANZ Ladies Masters and HANDA Women's Australian Open.
ALPG CEO Warren Sevil was delighted with the response for the Royal Canberra event. "The reaction has been amazing. It just goes to show that these girls are keen to play, keen to entertain the Australian golf fans and eager to express their gratitude to our new sponsor and host Club. This is an exciting year for the ALPG Tour, adding a new tournament and another opportunity to showcase women's professional golf at its best.We hope the ACT and NSW crowds take advantage of this opportunity."
Royal Canberra General Manager Rick Coate was thrilled with the quality of the field, saying, "An event of this magnitude could not be possible without the support of major sponsor ActewAGL and our Members, who realise the importance of promoting the game of golf and women's sport.
Royal Canberra is proud to be hosting the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Ladies Classic and we are positive that all players and spectators will enjoy a week of world class golf on an appropriately great golf course."
ActewAGL Chief Executive Officer Michael Costello said, "ActewAGL has a strong commitment to women's sporting events and teams and we're very pleased to be the major sponsor of this event, which is bringing world-class golf to Canberra."
Tournament Week Schedule
Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27 January - Practice Days - free entry
Thursday 28 January - Pro-am including local celebrities (7.30am and 1pm shot gun starts) - free entry
Friday 29 January -Round 1 - entry is $5 per person, children under the age of 16 free
Saturday 30 January - Round 2 - entry is $5 per person, children under the age of 16 free
Sunday 31 January - Final Round entry is $5 per person, children under the age of 16 free
Tickets now on sale at Royal Canberra Golf Club reception or available at the gate during the tournament.
For media interviews please contact ALPG Media Coordinator Sandy Lonergan on 0427 023 140 or email sandyl@alpg.com.au
