It will be a case of girl golf power in 2016 with the introduction of a WPGA Lombard Trophy for female clubs pros and amateurs, with the grand final staged in Portugal.
It will be a case of girl golf power in 2016 with the introduction of a WPGA Lombard Trophy for female clubs pros and amateurs, with the grand final staged in Portugal.
The exciting development adds a new dimension to the popular PGA National Pro-Am Championship and aims to encourage more women to play golf.
As an incentive, entry is free for both pro and amateur with up to 200 WPGA Members eligible to compete and represent their clubs alongside their amateur partners in one of two regional finals where six places will be up for grabs to the grand final in Portugal.
The grand final will take place on the Algarve at Pestana Vila Sol Golf & Resort Hotel from September 22-23 with a first prize of £2,500.
Camberley Heath hosts the first qualifier on Monday July 4 while Dunham Forest stages the second on Monday July 25.
PGA chief executive Sandy Jones said:
“This year marks an exciting new development with a separate pro-am tournament expressly for WPGA and female amateurs. Lombard are committed to equality and diversity and encouraging more women to play will reap rewards at grass roots level.”
Ian Isaac, head of Lombard, added: “The Lombard Trophy is a highly successful event which is enjoyed by players of both gender. But in recognition of the growth of the women's game we believe that now is the time to introduce a separate competition.
“We’re certain that this will be a popular decision with female amateur and pro golfers, and we would like to wish all taking part in this inaugural event the best of luck in reaching the Final in Portugal.”