Ricoh Women's British Open Can Inspire Next Generation

Post by Golf Journalist Josh Carr

The Ricoh Women’s British Open rolls into Woburn on Thursday, with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko one of the clear favourites following her spectacular run in recent Major Championships.

The 19-year-old World No. 1 has won The Evian Championship, the ANA Inspiration, lost in a play-off at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and finished tied-3^rd at the US Women’s Open this year, so there is no reason why Ko couldn’t come out victorious around the Marquess’ course at Woburn.

The majority of the world’s top 50 female golfers will battle it out at the historic Woburn Golf Club to win one of the most coveted championships in the women’s game. World No. 2 Brooke Henderson is one of the favourites and will look to win this prestigious tournament in just her second appearance. Ko’s presence will not put Henderson off after she beat her in play-off to claim her first Major title at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship earlier in the year.

World No. 4 Lexi Thompson is also in the field and will be looking to pick up her second major championship, with her first coming two years ago at the ANA Inspiration. However, World No. 5 Sei Young Kim and No. 6 Ariya Jutanugarn will both be looking take home the spoils from the American.

Last year’s champion Inbee Park pulled out of the event last week, suffering from an on-going thumb injury. The World No. 3 became one of few golfers to achieve the Career Grand Slam after her victory in the 2015 Ricoh Women’s British Open at Turnberry.

It is hoped that this championship will aid in growing the game, especially the women’s side. In England, female golfers account for 13% of all golfers aged 15 years plus, which is far too low. There will be a Championship Village that will host a number of exhibition and retail units, as well as interactive activities to make the day an enjoyable one and to show that the common misconception that golf is boring, is wrong.

Prices for the Championship days start at £25.00 for an adult and £20.00 for a concession, which makes the championship more accessible than the men’s Open Championship and you still get to see the world’s best players. It is largely believed that the atmosphere at the Ricoh Women’s British Open is a lot more relaxed than the men’s, making it more enjoyable for spectators, and hopefully being so close to the big stars can inspire more women to take up the game.

One disappointment is that the men’s USPGA is being played at the same time. These are two stand-alone events that should not be played during the same week. The Ricoh Women’s British Open is one of the biggest events on the calendar and with little women’s golf on television; this tournament deserves its moment in the spotlight.

The event will no doubt be a huge success and as well as being able to watch some fantastic golf from the world’s best women’s golfers, hopefully it will inspire more people to take up the sport.

(Images Courtesy of Kevin Diss Photography)