Ladies’ European Tour (LET) executive director Alexandra Armas believes women’s golf is becoming even
more exciting because of the “cosmopolitan” nature of
the tour.
A few years ago, the LET was home to some of the biggest European names in ladies’ golf, but lately the Tour has adopted a more versatile approach, with Armas taking the championship beyond the continent’s shores.
The EMAAR-MGF Ladies’ Masters held in Bangalore, India, earlier this month was a prime example of the LET’s desire to test new waters.
The Dubai Ladies’ Masters (DLM), won by former world No 1 Annika Sorenstam (pictured) last week, completed another successful year since being included in the LET calendar last season.
In addition to the new venues, it is the number of fresh faces that has got Armas all excited and looking forward to a bright future.
“Ours is a cosmopolitan tour, consisting of players from 30 different nations, and the best thing is that anyone can go on to win an event, despite the standard of the game being very high,” said Armas, who was in town for the Emirates Golf Club-hosted DLM.
“We have very good players coming in from Thailand, France, Spain and Italy and it’s no longer the case when the LET events were the exclusive domain of women from Sweden and England.
“Players from Sweden and England are still very good, there’s no doubt about that, but when it comes to winning nothing can be taken for granted. Things have changed dramatically over the past 10 years or so.
“We are travelling to new countries each year, and we were excited to be in India for the first time. Golf is growing there and, with time, there will be more awareness about the game. Who knows, in a few years we may even see Indian golfers playing on the Tour regularly.”
Armas revealed the Tour will be making new stops in Germany, Turkey and Ireland next season. While Turkey will be the new addition, Germany and Ireland will reignite ties with the LET as event hosts.
“There are a lot more playing opportunities for the players now, which wasn’t the case five years ago,” Armas said.
“We are announcing a new schedule next week and we are going to increase the number of tournaments to 28 from the 25 events that we had scheduled in 2007.
“So there are going to be a few new additions and a few good tournaments and a few new places. Germany, Turkey and Ireland are definite, and we’re still in discussions with other venues, possibly in Asia and South America. I think it’s going to be a very positive season and another step in the right direction.”
The LET chief lauded Golf in Dubai’s efforts in organising the EMAAR-MGF Ladies’ Masters and the DLM, which is one of the most-anticipated stops on the Tour.
“Golf in Dubai, the players and the management of the Eagleton Resort in Bangalore did a fine job getting their act together for that tournament and I think it was a very successful event,” Armas said.
“Golf in Dubai has a lot of experience in running world-class tournaments. I think the Desert Classic is one of the special events on the Men’s Tour and it is the same with the DLM on the Ladies’ Tour. A reflection of that commitment is seen in the field of players who lined up for the event this year.
“Most of the players hadn’t played last year, but they’ve heard about the event by word of mouth; about how well they get treated here, how well organised the event is and what a great golf course Emirates Golf Club has and this brought an even more competitive field.
“I think the tournament felt bigger and better than last year —just look at the crowds. I’ve heard stories about the number of people coming through the gates. So, in general, everything is growing really well on the LET and there is a lot of expectation for the coming year.”
