JUTANUGARN RETURNS TO DEFEND LADIES SCOTTISH OPEN
May 7, 2019
Two-time major winner and defending champion Ariya Jutanugarn is set to return to the scene of her most recent international victory alongside British stars Catriona Matthew and Georgia Hall at the 2019 Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club from the 8 – 11 August.
Jutanugarn, who won the tournament in spectacular fashion in 2018 at Gullane Golf Club, returns to East Lothian’s golf coast to defend her title at the first women’s professional golf event to be hosted at The Renaissance Club, taking place just three weeks after the Men’s Scottish Open.
The current Rolex Rankings No. 4 from Thailand is one of the most consistent performers with 10 LPGA career victories to her name. Over the last two seasons, she has been particularly steady, having spent more than 20 weeks as world No. 1, winning four times worldwide and recording 14 top five finishes.
Joining her in the 156-strong player field, competing for $1.5 million, are fellow major champions Georgia Hall and Catriona Matthew who captured the Women’s British Open respectively in 2018 and 2009.
Hall, a 23-year old from Bournemouth will be making her fifth consecutive appearance in the tournament having recorded two top 10 finishes whilst Team Europe Solheim Cup Captain Matthew is no stranger to the event, having lifted the trophy in 2011 and 2013 at neighbouring Archerfield Links. Matthew, who hails from North Berwick, is set to make her ninth appearance and heads to her national open with an additional motive in mind.
Scotland’s Catriona Matthew said, “I always look forward to playing in my home open, it’s one of my favourite events of the year so from a personal perspective, my goals this year are no different. The tournament means a lot to me and to win so close to home and in front of friends and family is an exciting prospect. I will certainly be keeping an eye on who is performing well with my Solheim Cup captain’s hat on though as this event is the last in a 24 month qualification process and I will be looking to take the strongest team possible to Gleneagles.”
The co-sanctioned Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open is the final Solheim Cup qualifying event for Team Europe with the full team announced at Gleneagles on Monday 12th August.
Speaking about her title defence, Ariya Jutanugarn said, “Every victory for me is special but to win in the ‘Home of Golf’ is something every golfer wants to achieve in their career. The Scottish fans were so supportive last year and they really spurred me on when it was tight down the closing holes. Aberdeen Standard Investments and Visit Scotland put on an amazing tournament and I’m looking forward to defending my title at The Renaissance Club.”
Martin Gilbert, Chairman of Aberdeen Standard Investments, said, “We are pleased to welcome Ariya back to defend her Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open title. We always strive to host the world’s best international champions and Ariya, Catriona and Georgia certainly fit the bill. Ariya has won titles all around the world and her performance last year proved just how strong the women’s professional game is right now. In only the third year of co-sanctioning with the LPGA and LET the tournament is continuing to grow and showcase the world’s best talent to not only Scottish spectators but to a global audience.”
Paul Bush, Director of Events with VisitScotland, said, “We are delighted that Ariya Jutanugarn has confirmed that she will return to Scotland’s Golf Coast to defend her title at The Renaissance Club. This is further evidence that The Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open is one of the most highly regarded tournaments on both the LPGA and LET schedules and a key contributor to Scotland’s commitment to the 2019 Solheim Cup at Gleneagles. As the final qualifying event for Team Europe and penultimate for Team USA spectators can expect to see the world’s best player’s visit Scotland, the Home of Golf this summer.”
Tickets for the 2019 Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open are FREE.