Gemma Dryburgh became a Rose winner for the second time when the Ladies Series became the first ever women’s pro event to be held at Royal St George’s. Picture by LET

SCOTLAND’S Gemma Dryburgh won for a second consecutive week on the Rose Ladies Series after posting a brilliant one-under par 69 at Royal St George’s in Kent.

The famous Sandwich course was due to host the Open Championship next week before the postponement because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the cancellation did allow Royal St George’s which has hosted the Open 14 times the chance to host its first professional women’s event.

Following her triumph at The Buckinghamshire last week, the 27-year-old Scot finished one stroke ahead of English Solheim Cup stars Georgia Hall and Charley Hull, who won the first event at Brokenhurst Manor.

Surrey’s 2019 Jabra Ladies Open champion Annabel Dimmock, from Wentworth, tied for fourth with reigning Women’s Amateur Champion Emily Toy, from Cornwall. Northamptonshire’s Meghan MacLaren, who won the second leg at Moor Park, tied for 22^nd.

Dryburgh, who now leads the Rose Ladies Series’ American Golf Order of Merit, said: “I’m delighted to be the first-ever female professional to win a tournament at Royal St George’s in their first-ever ladies’ professional event.

“It’s just so special to be the winner at a great and prestigious course, which was in immaculate condition.”

Dryburgh, who sits in fifth position on the LET’s 2020 Race to Costa del Sol Rankings, bogeyed the par-four first hole on the famous links and then picked up her first birdie on the par-five seventh to go out in a level-par 35.

A pair of birdies on the 10^th and 13^th followed by a bogey on the par-four 15^th saw her come home in 34 to set the target.

“Winds were blowing 20-30 miles per hour, so it was tough and I hit my woods well. I used them a lot coming in,” said Dryburgh.

“A great par putt from 18 feet on 16 helped to secure the win and then on the last two holes I hit 3-woods into the par fours and holed good putts.

“It was great playing with Georgia and Charley and we were neck and neck all day and feeding off each other, so it certainly felt like a big event and it was very special.”

•For final scores from Rose Ladies Series click here.

Sandwich the perfect preparation for Women’s British Open

DRYBURGH later received the Rose bowl from club captain Tim Dickson and posed with her mum Marjory and dad, John, who acted as her caddie.

The tournament venue was identified and organised through connections of Kate Rose, who would have been watching her husband, Justin, play in The Open, had the event not been postponed.

The Roses put £35,000 of their own money into the Series to help British female professionals gain valuable playing opportunities during the coronavirus pandemic.

For Dryburgh, who also has a card on the LPGA and is expected to return to the States in the coming week, the tournaments have provided the perfect preparation for her first AIG Women’s British Open, due to take place at Royal Troon, next month.

Gemma added: “It’s perfect because we rarely get to play links golf, let alone famous Open Championship venues like Royal Troon and Royal St. George’s.”

•The action moves north for the first time next week when the JCB Golf & Country Club, at Uttoxeter, in Staffordshire, hosts its first professional event. Then there are just two regular events left at Bearwood Lakes, in Berkshire, and The Shire London, at Barnet.

The Rose Ladies Series Computacenter Grand Final then takes place over three days from August 5-7 – at North Hants, in Fleet, Ascot’s The Berkshire and then Wentworth’ West Course, which will also host its first women’s professional event, at the regular home of the European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship.

Uttoxeter’s JCB Golf and Country Club will host next week’s fifth Rose Ladies Series event

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Lily May Humphreys took the lead with three holes to play in the Rose Ladies Series event – but Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

ESSEX’S Lily May Humphreys further underlined her career potential as she pushed for victory and fell just short of the winning total posted by Gemma Dryburgh in the third event of the Rose Ladies Series.

The 18-year-old England women’s international is no stranger to the top of leaderboards having won the 2019 Welsh and Irish Ladies Opens, the Annika Europe event.

And, just prior to lockdown in March, she reached the final of the Sunningdale Foursomes.

Coming down the stretch at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club, the teenager – one of only three amateurs in the field of 54 – harboured genuine dreams of winning her first professional event.

In the end, plus-six handicapper Humphreys had to settle for a one-under par round of 71 and a tie for fourth alongside Woburn’s LPGA winner Charley Hull.

Scotland’s Dryburgh carded six birdies in a round of 69 to edge one ahead of English duo Georgia Hall and Cara Gainer.

Gemma Dryburgh emerged victorious in the third Rose Ladies Series event. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

That was two clear of Humphreys in another fine all-round showing from England’s top women amateurs.

Ellie Gower also sealed a tie for eighth after a level-par round and Hertfordshire’s Hannah Screen recovered from two bad holes on the front nine to come home in 34 for a total of four-over par.

Humphreys in lead with three to go

HUMPHREYS proved to be a model of consistency on the front nine with eight straight pars.

The run ended on the ninth – not that the golfer from Stoke-by-Nayland GC was upset.

A birdie two on the 175-yard par three allowed her to reach the turn in 36.

A bogey five at the 10^th was swiftly remedied with a birdie at the next hole.

Another run of four pars then put England Golf’s 2019 Women and Girls’ Order of Merit winner firmly in contention for victory.

In fact, the Curtis Cup player was tied for the lead with three others after 15 holes.

She then took solo charge with another birdie two at the 161-yard 16^th hole as she moved to two-under.

A bogey five at the 17^th hole halted her charges.

Back-to-back birdies from Hall on the 13^th and 14^th holes allowed the 2018 Women’s British Open champion to take a familiar place at the top of the leaderboard – before being pipped in a dramatic finale.

Humphreys, though, can take great heart from her performance proving once again why she is ranked 18^th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.

Gower gave everything alongside Georgia

Ellie Gower – who plays for University of Colarado Boulder – played in the same group as runner-up Georgia Hall, the former Women’s British Open winner – and finished eighth. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

GOWER birdied the fifth, ninth and 14^th holes in a fine level-par 72 around a course that has been used for US Women’s Open qualifiers.

The 17-year-old can be proud of ending the day in a tie for eighth.

For the second week running in this series, two England amateurs have achieved top 10 finishes.

Last week sisters Samantha and Annabell Fuller finished tied for second and seventh respectively at Moor Park Golf Club.

Gower, studying at the University of Colorado Boulder, didn’t panic after dropping three shots in her first three holes.

In fact she displayed skill and heart to bounce back into contention while playing in a group also containing former British Open champion Hall, and Chloe Frankish, who joined Gower on level-par.

Screen, who moved to Oklahoma University as a junior in September, was left to rue two disappointing holes on her front nine as she made a competitive return to golf after lockdown.

The England Women’s Overseas Squad player counted the cost of slips at the first and seventh holes en route to a round of 76.

Birdies at the fifth, 11^th and 15th holes, as well as the experience of teeing it up alongside Hull and Essex’s Gabriella Cowley will stand the 20-year-old Oklahoma University student in good stead as she heads to next week’s Faldo Series event at Brockett Hall.

•The Rose Ladies Series continues next week with a visit to Royal St George’s Golf Club, at Sandwich, in Kent – the venue for the 2021 Open Championship.

Final scores from The Buckinghamshire click here

Hannah Screen bounced back after some errors on the front nine but came home in 34. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

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Meghan MacLaren put her foot down to get to five-under par through six holes at Moor Park. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

MEGHAN MacLaren won the second Rose Ladies Series event at Hertfordshire’s Moor Park in Hertfordshire – despite a two-shot penalty for playing the wrong ball.

The two-time LET tournament winner shot a three-under par 69 to finish two strokes clear of series founder Liz Young and England amateur Samantha Fuller.

The temperatures hit 31 degrees Centigrade on the hottest day of the year in the United Kingdom as the 50-strong field tackled the High Course.

But the hottest player on the course as MacLaren, who raced to five-under after six holes on her front-nine – with a birdie at the first and eagle at the fourth.

Meghan – who helped rebrand teh Ladies European Tour by writing a script for the inspirational Raise Our Game video – birdied the short 10^th to get to six-under.

The Wellingboro Golf Club member then made double bogey on the 11th after playing the wrong ball, followed by two further bogeys on the 12th and 13th.

But a brilliant birdie on the 15th cemented her position at the top of the leaderboard.

Meghan MacLaren put her foot down to get to five-under par through six holes at Moor Park. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Meghan happy to get her edge back

MacLAREN returned to competitive golf for the first time in three months last week, following the forced break caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.

Meghan said: “I think everybody felt a bit more comfortable this week.

“We were thrown in at the deep end last week, because the course was really tough, and this one was tough as well.

“But you start to get your edge back, bit by bit. It’s just nice.

“We all enjoy being here and you see the same faces, so it’s a really enjoyable atmosphere.

“For someone like Justin Rose to come out and sponsor this and say the things that he did and just give us some respect, it’s meant the world to all of us.

“To turn that into action is something that we will all be grateful for, for a very long time. Just getting to play – it’s nice to be out here again.”

The winner of the 2017 LET Access Series Order of Merit was presented with a cheque for £5,000 by Justin’s wife Kate.

Meghan posed for photos with the Rose bowl alongside her sister and caddy Becky as the penalty for playing the wrong ball did not prove costly at the end.

Young moves top Order of Merit

Young was a runner-up for the second consecutive week.

She moved into the lead on the American Golf Order of Merit ahead of Charley Hull, who won last week’s opener at Brokenhurst Manor, in Hampshire.

The Solheim Cup star tied for seventh at Moor Park, despite having played in a charity pro-am at Worplesdon Golf Club earlier in the morning.

Inci Mehmet and Beaconsfield’s Rachel Drummond also played 36 holes in one day and drove the 30 miles around the M25 to get to Moor Park for their afternoon tee time.

They tied for 21st and 34th place respectively, while another Solheim Cup star, Bronte Law was unable to match MacLaren’s sparkling form and had to settle for a share of 34th.

The Rickmansworth club has hosted European Tour events, and is the spiritual home of the Carris Trophy, one of the world’s top junior events.

Moor Park also boasts European Tour winner Matt Wallace as its touring pro.

The Rose Ladies Series is made up of eight tournaments. It moves next week to The Buckinghamshire Golf Club, the home of the LET.

The series will culminate in a two-day Grand Final to be held at The Berkshire and Wentworth’s West Course on August 6-7.

Moor Park’s famous clubhouse – The High Course is one of the UK’s top parkland courses

ROSE LADIES SERIES
July 2: Buckinghamshire Golf Club
9: Royal St George’s Golf Club
16: JCB Golf and Country Club
23: Bearwood Lakes
30: The Shire, London
GRAND FINAL
August 6: The Berkshire Golf Club
7: Wentworth Golf Club (West Course)

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Meghan MacLaren has turned from the queen of the greens to a wizard with words to help give the Ladies European Tour a new brand and image. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

MEGHAN MacLaren and Suzann Pettersen have teamed up to help give the Ladies European Tour a fresh logo, updated website and tag line.

The Raise Our Game tagline aims to capture the ambition of the new LPGA-LET joint venture partnership – and a shared desire to keep moving women’s golf forward.

The brand refresh includes a short film created in-house, capturing the passion and potential of the LET players, celebrating their hard work, dedication and perseverance.

Narrated by Solheim Cup star Pettersen, with the script written by two-time LET winner MacLaren, it focuses on the hard work and determination it takes to achieve goals.

The pair hope to inspire women and girls to pursue their passion and realise their potential through the game of golf.

Talented writer MacLaren, who grew up playing golf at Wellingboro GC, in Northamptonshire, said: “I loved working on this project.

“It was great to play an active role in the new direction of our Tour.

“This is an exciting time for the LET and for women’s golf. To see the growth potential as we look ahead to the future for the next is very fulfilling.

“I’ve always worked hard to raise my game and I’m proud to be a member of a Tour which gives us the opportunity to raise our game further.”

Norwegian Suzann Pettersen narrated the video that launched the LET’s new look.
Picture by TRISTAN JONES

‘It’s something we can’t define . . .’

MEGHAN’S script focuses on the fierce commitment required to compete at the highest level.

It also highlights the importance of the friends, family and wider community of tournament promoters and sponsors who can drive women’s golf forward, said the LET.

The script reads: “It starts with something we can’t define. 

“t’s a dream, but we’re too young to know what it is, where it might take us.

“Our family, coaches, friends… they know. On cold winter mornings and warm summer nights, they help us shape it into something we believe in.

“Sometimes we lose it. Sometimes we stop believing. Sometimes we wonder if it’s all really worth it… but we don’t stop.

“Because in every new city that embraces us and every new partner who invests in us, on every Monday that promises and every Thursday that threatens to take away – we have a chance to find it again.

“A chance to believe again. A chance to make each moment our own.

“But it’s yours too, because you’re there by our side, guiding the way. You helped create it.

“So it’s time to believe, in all of our dreams. Together, let’s raise our game.”

•Megan also wrote a first-person piece telling the story of how she raised her game. You can read it here.

Suzann Petersen holed the winning putt at last year’s Solheim Cup. Picture by MARK RUNNACLES

‘The LET made me’ says Solheim Cup star

PETTERSEN – who holed the winning putt at the 2019 Solheim Cup – said at the rebranding launch: “I wouldn’t be where I am without the LET.

“I’m excited about the next chapter of the Tour’s history as it looks to provide even more opportunities for women and girls in the game.

“I’m thrilled to narrate this inspirational video, re-branding the new LET. The future is bright for the LET and its members.”

The 39-year-old Norwegian won 15 times on the LPGA Tour – including two Majors – and another six times on the LET.

After securing the Solheim Cup with that putt at Gleneagles, she promptly announced her retirement to focus on bringing up her son.

But the Scandinavian, who won the British Girls’ title at Wiltshire’s High Post GC in 1999, and played two Junior Ryder Cup matches, is not relinquisihing all ties with the LET just yet.

LET chief executive Alexandra Armas (left) with LPGA commissioner Mike Whan after her appointment – two months after the two Tours signed a joint venture deal. Picture by LPGA.

Future’s bright for LET says chief executive Armas

LET chief executive Alexandra Armas believes the tour has a bright future despite the uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “This brand refresh expresses our excitement about the LET and its future.

“How passionate and proud we all are to represent this strong new brand and that we are in this journey together with our partners – determined to create greater opportunities for the women who play golf today, and for the ones that will follow in the future.

“It has been an unprecedented and eventful start to the new decade.

“In January, we announced a record-breaking schedule and we were extremely excited about the 2020 season.

“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it has been a challenging time for us of late. But we are now focused on the long term.

“This is not only the time to preserve tournaments in 202 – but to build the future that we’re so excited about moving forward for women’s golf.

“The year 2020 is a building block to a bigger and better 2021, 2022 and beyond. Together, let’s do all we can to raise our game.”

The joint agreement between the LET and LPGA was signed in November.

As a result, it paved the way for this year’s expanded playing schedule, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide.

Armas was appointed in January in week the 2020 schedule was released.

Meghan MacLaren has won twice on the LET. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

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Woburn’s Charley Hull tied with Brokenhurst Women’s Open founder Liz Young – but won the play-off to become the first Rose Ladies Series winner. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

CHARLEY Hull won the first Rose Ladies Series Event in some style.

The Woburn ace defeated Hampshire heroine Liz Young with a birdie on the first extra hole at Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club, in the New Forest.

Spectators weren’t allowed inside the venue due to government social distancing guidelines.

But they would have been treated to a fantastic tournament and a thrilling finale which went to a play-off.

Both players carded level par rounds of 70 in overcast and windy conditions.

Young, who organised the event at her home club, played in the first group out and set the clubhouse target.

But she waited for three-and-a-half hours before Hull matched her score.

World No. 25 Hull was two strokes clear with two holes to play and looked to have the £5,000 winner’s cheque tucked in her back pocket.

But the Solheim Cup winner double bogeyed the par-four 17^th hole, after hitting a rescue wood off-line right into a ditch from the tee.

She had a chance to birdie the 18^th to win in regulation play but missed the putt on the hole.

The 18th is driveable when the county’s leading amateur players contest the Mike Smith Memorial Open, which was won by Hampshire junior Justin Rose, back in 1996.

After pitching on to the green, Hull took her chance at the first extra hole, rolling in a similar putt from 12 feet beyond the hole.

Charley Hull, from Woburn, receives her £5,000 cheque and a rose bowl from joint sponsor Kate Rose, wife of reigning Olympic Golf champion Justin. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Charley’s been to Hull and back getting ready for return of LPGA

THE new champion was presented with a rose bowl and winner’s cheque for £5,000 by Kate Rose, wife of PGA Tour star Justin, who together, reportedly sponsored the series to the tune of £35,000.

That sum was believed to have been matched by sponsors American Golf enabling the Brokenhurst event to be rolled out into a series of eight tournaments in the next two months.

Hull hadn’t played a competitive round in almost five months – in fact since the Gainbridge LPGA at Boca Rio, in Florida, in January.

Charley said: “I’m just so happy to be playing professional golf again and have a scorecard in my hand.

“The golf course was in great condition and it was my first time round here today.

“I was quite happy with my score. I doubled the 17^th because I  took a wrong line off the tee. But it was just great to be playing.

“I’ve missed it loads. I love playing golf. I’m pretty much golfed out because I’ve been playing every day. But I can’t wait to get back out on tour.

“I want to thank Justin and Kate Rose for putting these events on.

“You need to be playing to get back in the mindset. I’ve been playing a lot for the last few weeks and I played eight days on the trot.

“But it’s not the same as having a scorecard in your hand. I’ll go back to America in four weeks’ time, so hopefully this will get my brain back into tournament golf.”

Hull said she had never seen the course before but described the Harry Colt classic as a “hidden gem.”

Ex-amateur champs: Play-off rivals

HULL and Young – who was Liz Bennett as an amateur – are both past English Women’s Amateur Champions.

Young, the World No. 503, was pleased with finishing second, especially as she hadn’t played a competitive round in more than six months.

“I was excited and really nervous,” said Young, who last played at the Magical Kenya Ladies Open in December.

“It has been a long time since a card was in the hand. I was playing on my own course, so had the home advantage.

“But I also know where all the trouble is. I was really happy with how I played and level par, because it was playing tough out there.

“I was playing well in practise and I just hadn’t put much time in on the course.

“It’s all coming together and I’m just excited that I’ve got another seven tournaments in which to play.

“This is the start of something great for UK golf and hopefully this will continue.”

Essex’s Gabriella Cowley finished third on 71, with Hertfordshire’s Hannah Burke in fourth a further shot back.

Holly Calvert and Berkhamsted’s Alice Hewson – who won the Investec South African Women’s Open champion on her first start as a Ladies European Tour rookie – tied for fifth.

Liz Young with her husband and caddy Jon having seen the dream of creating the Brokenhurst Manor Women’s Open to help LET players get back into tournament golf.
Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Wentworth to stage final round of Grand Final

THERE will be a Rose Ladies Series Event played on Thursday each week, in June and July, leading up to the Grand Final on August 6-7.

The opening round will be played at The Berkshire, in Ascot, with the final round to be hosted on the famous West Course at Wentworth.

With Justin Rose’s management team Excel Sports teaming up with Young to put on the series, the England Golf ambassador was able to invite three of the country’s leading amateurs to play.

ROSE LADIES SERIES
June 25: Moor Park Golf Club
July 2: Buckinghamshire Golf Club
9: Royal St George’s Golf Club
16: JCB Golf and Country Club
23: Bearwood Lakes
30: The Shire, London
GRAND FINAL
August 6: The Berkshire Golf Club
7: Wentworth Golf Club (West Course)

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Justin Rose and his wife Kate (left) have agreed to sponsor six UK events for women professionals, starting in June, at Brokenhurst Manor. Picture by WARREN LITTLE / IGF

JUSTIN Rose and his wife Kate are to sponsor the Rose Ladies Series of women’s golf tournaments in the UK – culminating in a two-day final.

The Roses decided to put up £35,0000 to sponsor the one-day events in June and July after reading about fellow Hampshire-based professional Liz Young’s efforts to put on a competition at her home club in the New Forest.

Young – who was English Women’s Amateur Strokeplay Champion in 2006 – came up with her idea to enable players to stay competitive, ahead of the LET’s return to golf.

She appealed for sponsors to help with her day at Brokenhurst Manor, where her amateur career blossomed.

She got to play with Nick Faldo in the USA and made her Curtis Cup debut at St Andrews Old Course.

And Rose, who came through the same junior ranks in Hampshire as Liz a decade earlier, not only backed the Brokenhurst event.

He also supported the formation of a mini-tour in England over the next two months including a visit to Royal St George’s in Kent.

Officially known as the Rose Ladies Series, the schedule includes:–
June
18 – Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club
25 – Moor Park Golf Club
July
2 – Buckinghamshire Golf Club
9 – Royal St George’s
16 – JCB Golf & Country Club
23 – Bearwood Lakes Golf Club
30/31 – Final TBC

Among the players who have commited to playing at Brokenhurst are Dorset’s Major winner Georgia Hall and LET winners Meghan MacLaren and Annabel Dimmock, from Wentworth.

“I can’t thank Justin and Kate enough for coming onboard, creating opportunities and increasing the visibility for professional women golfers.

“I would also like to thank the Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club members.

“Their encouragement and support has been amazing from the start.

“And I’m sure that with the news of Justin and Kate being involved, they will be as excited as I am.

“It makes me so proud to be a member of BMGC.”

Jason: ‘Time to give something back’

Liz, who played Stacy Lewis in the singles at the 2008 Curtis Cup against the USA, said: “This all started with an idea that myself and our head pro Jason McNiven had.

“We went to the club with it and we had great support from them.

“We had a vision from the start – get women competing again, increase the profile and visibility of women’s professional golf and inspire the next generation.

“Hopefully, the players would embrace the chance to play, see that it could be done and maybe take it to their clubs.

“Thanks to Justin, Kate and his team, our dream has come true… in a week!”

Jason added: “It was a simple idea and concept – play for your own money and you get to enjoy competing again.

“We are delighted to have help from Justin and Kate, as they can grow the series, which is what we initially wanted to do.

“We want to inspire the next generation. And hopefully if this is an annual event, then kids can walk the fairways with their heroes.

“It is my duty to help the girls, it is time for me to put back into the sport and help the women, so it’s the right thing to do.

“Liz and I flew the kite and it has officially taken off.”

Liz Young who has organised the Brokenhurst Manor Women’s Open. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Club ‘delighted’ to support Rose series

Club manager Kevin Light said: “Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club is delighted to host the first event of the upcoming Rose Ladies Series.

“Knowing that Liz had spoken about the LET schedule being the strongest in a number of years – only for coronavirus to hit – we were only too happy to step in.”

Rose was inspired to help by the lack of golf facing the LET players this summer as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justin felt it was unfair that he will return to action on the PGA tour with the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club, in Texas, on Thursday – two months before his female counterparts are able to do so.

Rose, who won the Mike Smith Memorial Trophy in 1996 – setting the course record at Brokenhurst Manor in the process – said: “Professional sports people are not machines – we cannot just power on and go.

“We have to nurture our skills in order to rely on them when needed – usually under pressure.

“My wife and I felt it was an opportunity for us to help where we can,” said Rose, the 2013 US Open Champion – and gold medallist at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“We are therefore delighted to say that we will be supporting a mini-series for ladies to take place in June and July.

“This will comprise a number of one-day events at some of the top courses in England.

Justin Rose came through the same junior ranks in Hampshire as Liz Young

Justin: ‘Sky have agreed to televise Rose Ladies Series’

“The prize money will be modest, but we hope the series will give our talented lady golfers the opportunity to showcase their skills.

“Sky TV have agreed to provide a package for viewers and the Sunday Telegraph will ensure the events are well-reported.

“Needless to say, Kate and I are immensely grateful to the host clubs for making their courses available to us, and for the enthusiastic support of all those behind the scenes who make the tournaments run smoothly.

“Golf is a sport that is able to be played while socially distancing.

“And hopefully the TV coverage of the ladies competing can inspire more women and families in England to go out and play.

“It can be so beneficial for mental health to be out in the fresh air and get some space, especially in these challenging times.

“In particular, we are also grateful for the support and encouragement of the more established lady professional golfers for supporting this event.

“Through their participation they will encourage support for their sport and show the flame for ladies’ golf will not be easily extinguished.

“Golf has given me so much. As most of my followers know, I had my struggles early in my career, but at least I did not have to face a pandemic.

“I was still able to play. To be denied the opportunity to work or to play for months on end is very challenging, both physically and mentally.

“And that is why Kate and I feel it is so important that we want to try to do something about it.”

The LET is supporting the Rose Ladies Series and thanked Justin and Kate Rose for their incredibly generous support of women’s golf.

Rose with his support team at the 2016 Olympics. Picture by WARREN LITTLE / IGF

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Mel Reid says some of her best golfing memories and friendships are from her days as an England international. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

MEL Reid brought her inspirational golfing story to life in a fascinating web chat with the current England squads and coaches.

The 32-year-old LPGA rookie became the latest professional to offer insight and advice through an online Q&A.

Reid came through the England Golf ranks and won back-to-back English Girls Championships in 2004-5.

The two-time winner of the Helen Holm Trophy played in the 2006 Curtis Cup – before turning pro in 2008, after winning the British Ladies Amateur Strokeplay in 2007.

The six-time LET winner from Derbyshire returned to form last year with a third-placed finish at the Women’s PGA Championship in the States.

The former Chevin junior was a vice-captain when Europe’s Solheim Cup team edged the USA in a thrilling match at Gleneagles, in September.

Now based in Florida, Reid is a strong advocate for the women’s game.

And her passion for golf shone through in her frank and honest discussion with an enthralled audience.

Reid said: “I think that it’s important that you leave the game in a better place than you found it.

“Some golfers have foundations or are mentors. I feel that I have a voice and that’s where I can make changes – by being authentically myself.

“It is important to show young girls and guys that the golf game is not old-fashioned.

“I want to show people my story and if that helps people then great.

“My story is a little bit different and it is important for me to fight for things I believe in,” said Reid, who announced she was gay in an interview with a US-based website in December 2018.

“I’m passionate about it and if I am a role model that’s a huge honour.”

Mel Reid was the latest star to speak to members of England Golf’s performance squads during the COVID-19 lockdown. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

‘Strong mindset the key to success’

MEL Reid revealed the importance of having a strong mindset in golf.

She suggested it was the key difference between a player ranked one or 100 on tour.

Mel opened up on her fitness regime which has allowed her to become one of the strongest and most athletic players on tour.

Reid was speaking from her base at the Floridian Club, near Jupiter in Florida.

The 32-year-old also reminisced on her work ethic as a junior which saw her play 45 holes a day.

She spoke of a desire for young players to develop a natural game rather than becoming obsessed with the game’s gadgetry and technology from too early an age.

“I was in the England squads at the age of 13 and involved with GB&I at 15. There are friends from those days who remain my best mates,” revealed Reid.

“Some of the fondest memories I have in golf are from my amateur days and people you met became like family.

“It taught me a great deal travelling round the world as a teenager.

“It’s a really cool experience that I was lucky to have.”

Having taken time to rest and reset during lockdown, Reid is now eager to get back on tour safely with her status on the LPGA,

Mel Reid (left) with Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew wants to see more integrated tournaments between the LET and European Tour. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

‘Let the women take on golf’s top stars’

MEL criticised last month’s men-only TaylorMade Golf Driving Challenge on social media – for not including any LPGA stars.

She received plenty of abusive comments on Twitter for calling for women to have been included in the charity event at Florida’s Seminole GC.

It was the first televised golf in the States in more than two months.

Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson raised money for charities and health workers fighting COVID-19 playing against Rickie Fowler and Matt Wolff.

Despite the online attacks on her views, Mel is hopeful that the evolution of golf will see respect for the women’s game grow.

She added: “I’d love to see a mixed team event on the PGA Tour. I also think golf at the Olympics should be mixed.

“It shouldn’t be every golf event. I don’t feel that would be appropriate.

“But it would be awesome to have some mixed events – the guys and girls would love to play each other.

“I see how much higher the mountain is for girls to climb – and I fight for more respect for women athletes across the board.

“Golf is one of the most financially rewarding sports – second to tennis. But we still have a long way to go from a respect point of view.”

Mel has already represented England in the European Tour’s ground-breaking GolfSixes, taking on the men.

But she missed last year’s inaugural Jordan Mixed Open when 41 LET players took on players from the European Challange and Staysure Tours.

• England squads have enjoyed a number of Q&A sessions with stars such as Matt Wallace, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Bronte Law, Meg Maclaren, Danny Willett and Chris Wood in recent weeks.

Forthcoming sessions are pencilled in with LET rookie Alice Hewson and former World No. 1 Lee Westwood.

https://twitter.com/molly_mcelwee/status/1263814139148984320 Mel Reid’s comments on Twitter about the TaylorMade Driving Challenge caused a stir

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Georgia Hall has entered this month’s Brokenhurst Manor Women’s Open, which has been organised by fellow LET player Liz Young. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

WOMEN’S British Open winner Georgia Hall will make a short trip from her Dorset home to Brokenhurst Manor, when the New Forest club hosts its Women’s Open, later this month.

The new event – which has also attracted entries from LET winners Meghan MacLaren and Wentworth’s Annabel Dimmock – is the brain child of Brokenhurst pro Liz Young and club head pro Jason MacNiven.

Hall, who won her first Major two years ago at Royal Lytham, and the other LET stars are to take part in the behind-closed-doors event on June 18.

Young, who joined the LET in 2009 after a successful spell playing American college golf, said: “The aim is to find a way to put on a tournament for women’s professionals, so that we can be competitive again – and have the chance to earn a little money in these uncertain times

She is also very keen to to boost the profile of the women’s game and is hoping either the BBC or Sky Sports will cover the event, which has the unofficial backing of the Ladies European Tour.

“It is so important that women’s sport is visible,” Liz added. “There was controversy a few weeks ago over the first golf in the US being men’s only.

“Because golf is a sport that can be played safely now it is key that the women get exposure, too.”

Among the other players who have paid the £125 entry fee which will enable the organisers to offer a prize fund are Wales’ Amy Boulden and Gabriella Cowley, from Essex.

Liz Young who has organised the Brokenhurst Manor Women’s Open. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Could Brokenhurst Open be on TV?

THE organisers believe the Brokenhurst Manor Women’s Open can help meet the lack of live sports for TV viewers to watch.

Most women’s team sports have seen their regular season in the UK curtailed, and the cricket season unable to start yet because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Young said: “I know people would love to watch live sport because there is so little. I would say to the likes of BBC and Sky that this a professional event with some big names, it is going to be good to watch.

“It would also be an opportunity for people who are new to women’s golf to see just how good our game is.

“That is why it would be amazing if we could get this on television.”

The event will adhere to government guidelines.

“Caddies must be from the same household as the player,”added Young, who has an advantage on that front as she is married to Jon Young, the former Hampshire county player, who has also been her regular caddy.

Liz said: “The great thing about this event is that you have a Major winner like Georgia, and then girls who have won multiple times on the LET – but anybody could win. That is what is great about golf.”

While not an officially sanctioned LET event, it is open to any female professionals in the UK, with Young keen to get as many female professionals involved as possible.

Brokenhurst Manor in the New Forest will stage its Women’s Open on June 18

LPGA planning return in July

THE LET and LPGA members who enter will get a chance to knock off some rust from their clubs before a return of the big two tours.

Both are still hopeful the AIG Women’s British Open will take place at Royal Troon, from August 20-23.

The other European women’s Major – the Evian Championship – has already been rescheduled to tee off at the Evian Resort on the French side of Lake Geneva, on August 6.

The Evian was moved back from July when the Women’s Olympic Golf tournament was cancelled.

The two tours having the two biggest events in Europe staged within three weeks will help the American-based LPGA players – and the best players from Asia – travel to the UK for the Women’s Open if there is a 14-day quarantine requirement.

The LET has so far called off three events in May, and two more in July, including events, in Belgium, Morocco, Spain, and Sweden.

And the two events which were planned before the original Evian date – the Dutch and Mediterranean Ladies Opens were also postponed.

The LPGA is now scheduled to return in the third week of July after the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational was withdrawn from the revised 2020 schedule, on May 15.

Revised LPGA 2020 schedule

Key: Major championships in bold

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ET player Amy Boulden teaching a young girl ahead of the Saudi Ladies International, which is being staged at the Royal Greens G&CC, in King Abdullah Economic City

THE inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International – the first female professional golf tournament to be played in Saudi Arabia – has been rearranged for October.

The switch following its postponement last month due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the announcement was made by the Ladies European Tour and Golf Saudi to move it to October 8-11.

The $1million event will take place at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club where some of the world’s finest golfing talent are set to arrive on Saudi shores for the historic occasion in the autumn.

Royal Greens hosted the European Tour Saudi International for a second time in February when Graeme McDowell picked up his first European Tour win in nearly six years.

Yasir O Al-Rumayyan, chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, said: “It gives me great pleasure to confirm we are working towards a new date of October 8-11 for the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund.

“We will, of course, continue to work closely with health authorities both domestically and across the region in the interim, but are hopeful we will be able to bring this momentous occasion to Saudi Arabia in six months’ time.

“As we focus upon the necessary precautions, we would like to pay particular thanks to all of our sponsors, partners and players, who have shown unwavering commitment through these unprecedented times.

“And it is due to their support that we are now able to announce a revised date for this landmark occasion.”

The October tournament will be a watershed moment for the country.

The LET reiterated its commitment to visiting Saudi Arabia after the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, and echoed Golf Saudi’s calls to ensure the inaugural tournament lives up to its billing.

LET chief executive Alexandra Armas said: “Postponing the inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International – originally scheduled to take place in March – was a difficult decision.

“However we have been extremely impressed by Golf Saudi’s commitment to working through the challenges and making this historic event happen.

“We would like to thank all stakeholders for their incredible support, and I am sure this fantastic new tournament will be one of the major highlights of 2020.”

One of the richest tournaments on the LET schedule, the hosting of the Aramco Saudi Ladies International was part of a move to increase golf participation significantly through a very ambitious development programme in the kingdom.

The country has staged a number of high-level sporting fixtures, including football, boxing, motorsport and equestrian events – countering criticism of the Saudi regime’s human rights record.

•More information about Golf Saudi and the Aramco Saudi Ladies International can be found at https://www.golfsaudi.com/en-us/ladies-international/

For information on the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club visit: https://royalgreens.net/

Graeme McDowell – winner of the 2020 Saudi International at Royal Greens G&CC. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

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Lalla Meryem Cup winner Nuria Iturrios (left) with Spain’s Gorge Campilo who claimed the Trophée Hassan II at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam last year. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

THE European Tour has confirmed the postponement of the Trophée Hassan II while the Scandinavian Mixed has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Scandinavian Mixed was set to be a ground-breaking event – hosted by Sweden’s two most successful golfers Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam – with male and female players competing head-to-head in the same event for the first time.

The Scandinavian Mixed was scheduled to take place at Stockholm’s Bro Hof Slott Golf Club, from June 11-14, , with men and women battling for one prize fund and one trophy.

The Ladies European Tour’s Lalla Meryem Cup – which was scheduled to take place concurrently with Trophée Hassan II, at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco from June 4-7 – has also been postponed.

The decision to postpone both events in Morocco was taken following consultation between the Hassan II Trophy Association, chaired by Prince Moulay Rachid, the European Tour and the LET.

Following this season’s cancellation – which was agreed in consultation with all parties – the event will still be included on the European Tour and Ladies European Tour schedules from 2021.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “We will continue to monitor the global situation in relation to coronavirus and evaluate its impact on all our tournaments, with public health and well-being our absolute priority.

“We thank all stakeholders involved in Trophée Hassan II and the Scandinavian Mixed – including His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid and the Hassan II Trophy Association, the Ladies European Tour and Henrik Stenson and Annika Sorenstam.

“Discussions regarding the possible rescheduling of all postponed tournaments will remain ongoing until we have clarity on the global situation.”

LET chief executive Alexandra Armas, said: “We are deeply grateful for the incredible support and flexibility shown by our partners at this challenging time, and would like to thank the Hassan II Trophy Association – and the European Tour – for their unwavering commitment to working together.

“As we monitor the global situation with regards to COVID-19, we continue to wish for the health and safety of the entire golfing community.”

The Ladies European Tour schedule for 2020 featured some 24 tournaments – an increase of four from 2019 – and an €18million prize fund up €4.5million. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

LET schedule’s record prize fund

THE Ladies European Tour schedule for 2020 featured a record-breaking prize fund of almost €18million spread across 24 tournaments to mark a new decade brimming with optimism.

As well as the increase of €4.5million in prize money – the LET unveiled the Race to the Costa del Sol with a bonus pool at the end-of-season Andalucía Costa del Sol Open Ladies Spanish Open, in January.

The top three finishers on the Race to the Costa del Sol rankings were set to share the bonus pool worth an extra €250,000.

But only the first three events were played before the coronavirus epidemic became a pandemic in March, forcing the first-ever Saudi Ladies Championship at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club to be postponed.

The Evian Championship – one of the five scheduled Majors of the season – has moved from its slot in late July to the first week of August – the date originally chosen for the Toyko Olympics Games.

It means the world’s top players – if the Evian can still go ahead on its new date – will then head to Scotland for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at North Berwick, from August 13-16.

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