European LPGA Gets Prize Boost
Britain's Laura Davies has played her part in helping the European LPGA Tour achieve a 40% increase in prize money this season. Davies, Britain's former world No. 1, will host her own Classic tournament worth £300,000 at Brocket Hall near Welwyn Garden on August 27-30.
It is one of 15 events -- four more than last year -- on a schedule that totals a record £3.264 million. Last year it was 2.4 million
While it is still dwarfed by the £36 million on offer to the men in Europe and also by the $36.2 million American LPGA, new chief executive Tim Howland said: "It's pretty good in three months and the tour is definitely back on track.
"We will us this year to sell the tour for next year: to kick on for 2000. When I came in it was virtually like starting from scratch."
Davies is delighted that her project has reached fruition. "It's something I've thought about for a while, especially since Betsy King set up her own event on the LPGA Tour. Also, nothing else seemed to be happening so I thought I should give it a try."
1999 European LPGA schedule |
The year will again end with the match in Portugal against the European Seniors Tour. Last November it ended in a 10-10 draw.