Golf fans are set to descend on the Dundonald Links course this weekend to watch the Women's Scottish Open.
One of the biggest events on the Ladies European Tour, spectators are set to head to Irvine for the huge event from Thursday, July 28 to Sunday, July 31.
This will be the fourth time Dundonald Links has hosted the event.
The tournament, which is supported by VisitScotland, is part of an unprecedented run of five elite men’s and women’s competition in consecutive weeks through July into August, with the 150th Open, the Genesis Scottish Open, AIG Women’s British Open and Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex, as hundreds of thousands of spectators descend on Scotland over the five weeks.
There are six Scots among those battling it out for $2 million in prize money; Louise Duncan and Hannah McCook alongside, Gemma Dryburgh, Michele Thomson, Kelsey MacDonald, and Kylie Henry.
The 144-player field includes eight out of the world top ten, 21 Major Champions and 27 Solheim Cup stars.
Ian Ferguson, general manager at Dundonald Links, said: "After a difficult two years, it's fantastic to be able to welcome golf on a global stage back to Ayrshire, and what an event it promises to be. The strength of field at the Trust Golf Women's Scottish Open is tremendous, and to have so many of the world's top players here at Dundonald Links will be an absolute treat for golf fans on the West Coast of Scotland.
"It also really allows us to showcase the wonderful facilities we now have here at Dundonald Links for visitors to enjoy when experiencing golf on the glorious West Coast".
It is hoped the broadcast and media coverage will help generate global interest in golf tourism across Ayrshire, which pre-pandemic was worth over £17 million, and supports more than 400 jobs.
Every £1 spent on green fees generates a further £5 on extras such as hotels, restaurants and retail while overseas golfing visitor spends on average 4.5 times per day more than a “typical” visitor.
Gordon Smith, regional director, VisitScotland added: “The golfing spotlight falls on Ayrshire and Arran this week which not only renowned for the exceptional number of superb world-class courses, but also for its important golfing heritage.
"Scotland is the undisputed home of golf, and the world continues to marvel at our country’s stunning beauty and our unbeatable reputation for hosting the biggest and best events in the game to help rebuild this vital part of Scotland’s economy and lead the recovery.
"Scotland is leading the way in investment in women’s golf events, supporting the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, the AIG Women’s Open and hosted The 2019 Solheim Cup. Hosting successful major golf events will also help deliver the ambitions of the national strategy, Outlook 2030, for Scotland to be a world leader in 21st century tourism.”
To find out more about Scotland’s spectacular summer of golf, please visit https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/active/golf/tournaments/
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