Stellar European field for Women's Australian Open

BY iseekgolf.com | ALPG Tour | 2007 Women's Australian Open | General | 24 Jan 2007

Golf Australia today announced the impressive European player line up locked in for the 2007 MFS Women’s Australian Open next month.

Already confirmed is defending champion, England’s Laura Davies. Joining Laura are 39 of the top 50 players on the 2006 Ladies European Tour (LET) Money list, French player, Gwladys Nocera, Maria Hjorth of Sweden and Veronica Zorzi of Italy, all of which hold an impressive accolade of titles and prize earnings.

The talented Gwladys Nocera, ranked 44th in the world and second on the 2006 LET Money List, will bring with her fierce competition. 2006 proved to be Nocera’s year voted players’ player of the year and she’s only just getting better. With 11 top tens and a further top 20 places out of 17 events played, it’s little wonder she will be one tough player to beat.

Paul McNamee, Executive Chairman Australian Opens, Golf Australia said, “This year’s MFS Women’s Australian Open showcases a truly international field and we are thrilled at the overseas interest it has received. The participation is fantastic for women’s golf and Australian Golf, it’s never looked better.”

Swedish golfer Maria Hjorth (nicknamed Mimmi), is on both the European and US Tours. Maria won the 2004 and 2005 English Open (LET) and in 2005 achieved a total of four top ten finishes including scoring third place at the ANZ Ladies Masters.

Current holder of the French title, Vediorbis Open de France, winning by one stroke over Laura Davies is Italian powerhouse Veronica Zorzi, 5th on the 2006 LET Money List, is also sure to be a strong contender.

The line up does not stop there, also set for this year’s event are: Swedish Linda Wessberg; Riikka Hakkarainen of Finland; Stephanie Arricau of France; Germany’s Denise Simon; South Africans Laurette Maritz and up and coming star Ashleigh Simon; Ana B. Sanchez and Tania Elosegui Major of Spain; and from Wales, Becky Brewerton just to name a few.

“Golf Australia is committed to delivering the best event possible for all and with the world class line up of local and international talent, skill and glamour sets the scene for another must see event,” McNamee added.

With confirmed top US players Natalie Gulbis and Brittany Lincicome, the outstanding Australian field including Karrie Webb, Rachel Hetherington, Nikki Campbell, Nikki Garrett and many others, plus the Korean and Japanese players and the best of Europe, this year’s MFS Women’s Australian Open delivers the best international field seen in Australia for a long time.

The MFS Women’s Australian Open is co sanctioned with ALPG and LET. Golf Australia acknowledges major partner MFS and major supporters, Fisher & Paykel, Peugeot Automobiles Australia and ABC TV.

The MFS Women’s Australian Open will be played at The Royal Sydney Golf Club, from 1-4 February 2007.

Source – Golf Australia