Top women’s event for Hoylake

Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Merseyside is the host venue for the 2012 Ricoh Women’s British Open, the first time that the Club has hosted this prestigious Championship.

Royal Liverpool, also known as Hoylake, is the second oldest seaside links golf course in England.

Built on a racecourse in 1869, this famous course has played host to some of golf’s most historical moments, including holding the inaugural men’s amateur championship in 1885, the first international match in 1902 between Scotland and England and in 1921, the first international match between Great Britain and the United States, later known as the Walker Cup.

Between 1897 and 2006, Hoylake has hosted the men’s Open Championship 11 thrilling times, including the 1930 famous victory of Bobby Jones who went on to win a grand slam that year. More recently, after a gap of nearly 40 years, the Open Championship returned to Hoylake in 2006 with Tiger Woods triumphing during a week of unusually benign weather.

Ominously the club’s website highlights Bernard Darwin’s famous quote; “Hoylake, blown upon by mighty winds, breeder of mighty champions” and there is no doubt that the course will test the strategic strengths of the world’s best female players.

During his 2006 victory, where for once the winds did not blow, Tiger Woods’ respect for the penal bunkers was such that he struck his driver only once during the tournament!

The Championship Committee has also announced a new date for 2012 ensuring the tournament does not clash with the London Olympics.

It will now take place at the later date of the 13th to 16th September.   

Shona Malcolm, the Ladies’ Golf Union’s CEO explained: “We are absolutely delighted to be introducing Royal Liverpool to the Ricoh British Women’s Open course rotation.

“The Ladies’ Golf Union is committed to playing the Women’s British Open at the best British courses and it is a great coup for the top players to be heading to such an esteemed venue.”