Women's 'major' set for Scottish debut

One of the most spectacular courses on the rota for the men's Open Championship will become the first Scottish venue to host the women's equivalent this summer. The Weetabix Women's British Open has never before moved north of the border since it began in 1976 but will be played at Turnberry on 8-11 August.

This is another step in the right direction for a championship which was designated a "major'' on the American LPGA tour last year. The defending champion Se Ri Pak and the former winner Karrie Webb have never before played in Scotland.

Sanctioned by the Ladies Golf Union and promoted by the International Management Group, the driving force behind the event is Sir Richard George, the chairman of Weetabix. In recent years Royal Lytham and Birkdale have played host to the tournament and George is keen to make the British Open the toughest major on the women's circuit.

"By coming to courses like Turnberry we are offering the players something very different to what they experience every other week of the year," George said. "Whatever the weather and the scoring, the main thing is that they are really challenged by a strong course.

"I have no doubt that the combination of the quality of the championship venues we now enjoy together with our major status will ensure the event will continue to attract the best players from all round the world."