Norway’s Suzann Pettersen returns to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle, County Meath to defend her title as Ladies Irish Open Champion. Teeing off on 3rd August, world no. 6, Pettersen will be joined by a selection of the world’s best female golfers as they battle it out in the quest to win one of the most prestigious competitions on the Ladies European Tour. Taking to the field in what is set to be one of the most competitive line-ups of the tour this season are four-time Irish Open Champion Sophie Gustafson and golfing legend Laura Davies as well as Solheim Cup Stars England’s Melissa Reid, Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall and the USA’s favourite Christina Kim.

The Ladies Irish Open supported by Fáilte Ireland takes place from the 3rd – 5th August at Killeen Castle, Dunsany, Co. Meath. Large crowds are expected to attend the event which is now one of the biggest events on the Ladies European Tour with a prize fund of €350,000.

Irish spectators will have plenty to cheer about with a wealth of home grown talent on show including Ireland’s top player, Rebecca Codd, recently turned professional, Danielle McVeigh from County Down and Carlow’s Tara Delaney. The sensational amateur twins, Leona & Lisa Maguire aged 17, jointly named Women’s Amateur of the Year at the AIB Irish Golf Writers’ awards for 2011, will also compete against the world’s best professionals.

Tournament Director, Roddy Carr commented, “I am delighted to announce such a strong international field for this year’s Irish Open and I am particularly pleased that so many of the victorious European Solheim Cup players will return to Killeen Castle, where they enjoyed one of the most dramatic wins over the USA in Solheim Cup history. I would encourage people of all ages to take this opportunity to watch our home grown players compete with the world’s best in one of the finest golfing venues in Ireland.”

Along with the top-class golf, there will be plenty entertainment for all including live music each day, a dedicated Kidzone and the traditional Farmer’s Market which will provide a host of delicious foods and beverages. Located just off exit 6 on the M3, just fifteen minutes from the Blanchardstown exit 6 M50 turn-off, the event is very accessible to the greater Dublin area and surrounding counties. Tickets are free for children and senior citizens and standard tickets cost just €10, with season passes for €25. Public parking is available on-site and tickets can be purchased on entry or by visiting www.ladiesirishopen.ie.   

Roddy Carr and Tara Delaney on the first tee at Killeen Castle