SENIOR LADIES’ BRITISH OPEN AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP

LGU Press Release

Christine Quinn, the holder of the title, will be hoping to make a spirited defence of the Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship, which will be played at Copt Heath Golf Club from 19-21 September.

Last year at Dumfries and County Golf Club, Ms Quinn had a six-shot win over Viveca Hoff, and in addition to a renewed challenge from the two times Swedish runner-up, will have to contend with Mary McKenna, one of the great names in ladies’ amateur golf.

Mary won the Seniors’ title in 2001 to cap a career that encompassed eight Irish titles and representation in nine Curtis Cup matches and nine Vagliano Trophy matches between 1969 and 1987. More recently, she was captain of the team that narrowly lost the Vagliano Trophy to the Continent of Europe at Fairmont, St Andrews and will lead the Curtis Cup team in the match next year at St Andrews from 30 May to 1 June.

There is a strong home challenge for the title, including the three times Scottish Seniors Champion Pamella Williamson, Fiona De Vries, 2006 Scottish Senior Match play Champion and Susan Ellis (Ferndown) the 2007 English Senior’s Champion. In addition, players have entered from nine overseas nations with, as always, a healthy representation from Northern European countries and Baltic States.

Clive Hadley, Secretary of Copt Heath said: “This year Copt Heath is celebrating its Centenary and hosting the Senior Ladies’ British Amateur Open, in late September, puts the finishing touch to what has been a splendid year.

“The Club and its members are delighted to welcome lady golfers from the Home Nations, Europe and further afield, who can be assured of a course in excellent condition, offering a good test of golf and a convivial atmosphere within the clubhouse. We trust that all attending, players, officials and spectators will enjoy their few days with us at Copt Heath.”

It is now 100 years since Copt Heath was founded, on a layout first proposed by three-times Open Champion Harry Vardon.

A subsequent extension was planned by H.S. Colt and after the war, a redesign of seven holes by Hawtree and Sons and more recent minor modifications by Donald Steel have resulted in the fine layout that the course has today.

Competitors play 18 holes on each of the first two days and the lowest 40 and ties play a further 18 holes on Friday 21 September.

The full list of players can be viewed at www.lgu.org – Championships.