The organisers of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship have confirmed that Britain’s most successful ever female golfer, Dame Laura Davies, will play at Nailcote Hall this summer in the 84th edition of the famous short course tournament.
A winner of over 80 tournaments, including four majors in a glittering 32-year professional career, and with seven Ladies European Tour Order of Merit victories to her name, Dame Laura is regarded as the greatest English woman golfer of all time. Other career highlights include becoming the first female to enter the men’s European Tour in 2004, representing Europe 12 times in the Solheim Cup, before being made a dame in the 2014 UK honours list.
Davies said: “I’ve heard a lot about the British Par 3 event over the years, so I’m really looking forward to making my debut at Nailcote Hall and playing alongside some true greats.”
Davies will be joined at the event by fellow Ladies European Tour player Trish Johnson, who has experienced plenty of success of her own since turning pro in 1987, winning three events alone during her rookie season. This led to an incredible 20 total wins on the Ladies European Tour, winning the Order of Merit for the first time in 1990, before she went on to become the first European player to win back-to-back events on the LPGA in 1993. Other career highlights include a win on the Legends LPGA Tour in August 2016, and appearing in eight Solheim Cups, second to only Dame Laura.
Taking place between 8-11 August, the Professional Championship prize fund currently stands at €150,000, with €50,000 going to the winner. The event traditionally draws some of the finest up-and-coming golfers in the country, as well as a host of European, Senior and Champions Tour stars, with 2016 winner Mark Mouland scoring an impressive -11 on his march to victory.
Past professional players who have played in the event include Danny Willett, Ian Woosnam, Paul Lawrie, Sam Torrance, Eddie Pepperell, Peter Baker, Andy Sullivan. Michael Campbell, Edoardo Molinari, Tommy Fleetwood, Gary Wolstenholme, Charley Hull, Costantino Rocca, Paul Broadhurst and Lee Slattery.
The 2017 edition of the championship will be hosted for the tenth successive year by two-time Major winner Tony Jacklin. “I’ve had a long association with the championship, and it’s been a pleasure to see it grow in size and stature,” said Jacklin. “I’m delighted to be hosting the event once again, it’s exciting to hear that Dame Laura will be playing this year, and I look forward to welcoming her to Nailcote Hall for a special championship.”
The event also plays host to two Celeb-Am days graced by some of the nation’s best-loved TV and sports personalities. Previous players include Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Schmeichel, Dwight Yorke, Damon Hill and Nigel Mansell, Peter Shilton, Matthew Hoggard, Jonny Bairstow, Boyband stars Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, comedian Jasper Carrott, and former Strictly Come Dancing dancer James Jordan.
A qualifier for the tournament is being held at Nailcote Hall on June 5, with an entry fee of £99 giving participants a chance of winning one of the minimum five qualifying spots on offer. For more information, visit: http://www.theeagletour.co.uk/tournaments/the-british-par-3-championship-qualifier-3/.
Spectators can register for free tickets via the British Par 3 website (britishpar3.com/booking/event-ticket/2017)