Top females set for Irish Open
Some of the top female golfers will be in action at the Ladies Irish Open supported by Fáilte Ireland that will take place this week from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th August at Killeen Castle. The Dunsany venue will host large crowds over the three days during which the golfers will battle it out for a prizefund of €350,000 in an event which is now one of the biggest on the Ladies European Tour. Irish enthusiasts will have plenty to cheer about with a wealth of home grown talent on show including Ireland's top player, Rebecca Codd, recently turned professional Danielle McVeigh Carlow's Tara Delaney and Dublin's Martina Gillen. Seventeen-year-old Cavan twins Leona and Lisa Maguire, jointly named Women's Amateurs-of-the-year at the AIB Irish Golf Writers' awards for 2011, will also compete against the world's best professionals. Norway's Suzann Pettersen (pictured) will return to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course to defend her title as Ladies Irish Open champion. Pettersen will be joined by a selection of the world's best female golfers as they battle it out in the quest to win one of the most prestigious competitions on the Ladies European Tour. Also competing will be four-time Irish Open Champion Sophie Gustafson along with golfing legends Laura Davies and Karen Stupples as well as Solheim Cup Star, England's Melissa Reid. "I would encourage people of all ages to take this opportunity to watch some of the world's best golfers compete in one of the finest golfing venues in Ireland," commented tournament director Roddy Carr. "I am delighted that such a strong international field will compete in this year's Ladies Irish Open. "I am particularly pleased that so many of the victorious European Solheim Cup players will return to Killeen Castle where they enjoyed one of the most dramatic wins over the USA in Solheim Cup history," added Carr. Pettersen will be bidding for her third title following wins at Portmarnock in 2008 and Killeen Castle last year while Italy's Diana Luna won in 2009 and Sweden's Sophie Gustafson won at Killeen Castle in 2010. Official practice concludes on Wednesday with a Pro-Am on Thursday followed by a Dundrum Town Centre Garden Party from 7.0 on Thursday evening for all competitors. The serious action will tee-off on Friday continuing on Saturday with the top 60 qualifying for the final round on Sunday. Spectators should be aware that dogs or any other animals are not allowed, mobile phones must be turned off while cameras and video cameras are also prohibited. Along with the top-class golf, there will be plenty of entertainment including live music each day and a dedicated 'kidzone' and a junior golf area. There will be a traditional farmers' market, a Thai barbecue, Jarek's Kitchen and for a more traditional option Gran Clarks Bakery will serve up tarts and muffins.