The Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open has received a major financial boost – three days after the men’s open secured a similar cash windfall.
A co-sanctioning agreement between the Ladies European Tour and LPGA has been reached that will see Dundonald Links host both the 2017 men’s and ladies’ Scottish Opens whilst elevating the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open to the highest prize fund event on the Ladies European Tour outside the majors.
The initial three year deal will see the event’s prize fund rise from around £400,000 to £1.2million with the 72-hole event sitting on both the LET and LPGA schedules.
It is another welcome boost for Scottish golf following the men’s Scottish Open’s inclusion in the European Tour’s newly created Rolex Series which has seen the prize fund increase from £3.5million to £5.6million.
Next year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open will take place at Dundonald Links in North Ayrshire from July 27-30, the week before the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Kingsbarns.
Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “This is huge stepping stone for the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open to rank alongside the biggest tournaments across both tours.
“It has been our vision to grow the event to a point where it becomes a staple on the world’s best players’ calendars whilst continuing to expose the Aberdeen brand in key markets.”
“This deal, with live TV on both the Golf Channel and Sky Sports will continue to do that and we would like to thank all of those that have come together to make it happen.”
LPGA commissioner, Mike Whan said: “Given Scotland’s rich history in golf, I am excited that the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open will provide an opportunity for the best players in the world to spend two consecutive weeks in Scotland.
“This tournament will be a great lead-in to the Ricoh women’s British Open, and give our global fans a great two-week viewing experience from the UK.”
Paul Bush, director of events with VisitScotland, said: “The huge success of the men’s Scottish Open taking place the week before the Open provided the inspiration for us to achieve similar success with the Ladies Scottish Open ahead of the Ricoh women’s British Open and these outstanding two weeks will now rival anything the world of golf has to offer.”