Following her outstanding win at the Ladies’ Irish Open 2012, Carnoustie Country Ambassador Catriona Matthew has her sights firmly fixed on the 2012 Ricoh Women’s British Open, which tees off on September 13.

“I was delighted to claim victory in the Ladies Irish Open last month,” said Catriona. “This was my second win since being appointed Carnoustie Country Ambassador for a second year and bodes well for my chances at this year’s Ricoh Women’s British Open.

“After Britain’s successes at the Olympics, it’s good to be leading the home challenge at a Major. I won the Women’s British Open three years ago and, having now won nine Professional golf tournaments, I’m hoping to clinch number ten at Royal Liverpool in a couple of weeks.”

Carnoustie Country encompasses 30 golf courses within a 40-minute drive of Carnoustie Championship and Catriona was named Ambassador for this top golfing brand in April 2011 – an appointment which was extended for a further 12 months earlier this year. “I’m honoured to be continuing my role as Carnoustie Country Ambassador,” said Catriona. “I’ve enjoyed some fabulous rounds of golf on many Carnoustie Country courses, including, of course, Carnoustie Championship. It’s wonderful to be able to spread the word about how good golf is in Carnoustie Country.”

Cllr Mairi Evans, Angus Council golf spokesperson, revealed that Catriona’s endorsement of Carnoustie Country and its golf courses had further increased awareness of the brand across the globe. “We couldn’t have asked for a better ambassador for the brand or the county,” said Cllr Evans. “For example, since her appointment in April 2011, Catriona, who wears the Carnoustie Country logo on her golf shirts, has generated almost 10,000 press articles in at least 50 countries across the globe.

“In addition, as one of the world’s top women golfers, Catriona regularly appears on television – with her Carnoustie Country logo on display. In fact, during the 2011 Ricoh Women’s British Open, the Carnoustie Country logo on Catriona’s shirt received 2,040 seconds of coverage around the world, which has been estimated as being the equivalent of £24,500 of advertising.”

In April, Catriona spent two days in Carnoustie Country, hosting golf clinics, taking part in a Beat The Golf Pro competition, coaching junior golfers and visiting local golf courses, including Forbes of Kingennie. “We were delighted to make Catriona an honorary member of Kingennie during her visit here,” said Mike Forbes of Forbes of Kingennie.

Mike Forbes was very positive about how Catriona’s ambassadorship was promoting the Carnoustie Country brand. “It’s wonderful to see such a high profile golfer, especially one with such a loyal following amongst golfers, wearing the Carnoustie Country logo and mentioning Carnoustie Country during television, newspaper and magazine interviews.

“During the Women’s Open, Catriona will undoubtedly be one of the golfers the world’s media will focus upon, guaranteeing coverage for the Carnoustie Country logo. And the more exposure Carnoustie Country receives, the more golfers who will be tempted to come here and play a round or two of golf on our excellent courses.”