2007 Asia Miles Binhai Ladies Open

Women golf professionals from across the globe will descend upon the Binhai Golf Club near here to compete in the inaugural USD230,000 Asia Miles-Binhai Ladies Open.

Asia Miles-Binhai Ladies Open, the final event on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour is tri-sanctioned with the Korean LPGA and China Golf Association. It will be staged at Binhai Golf Club. While the Pro-Am tees off on Monday and Tuesday, the three-round main event takes place from March 21-23.

Interestingly, the USD230,000 prize-purse makes the Asia Miles-Binhai Ladies Open the richest tournament on the Ladies Asian Golf Tour. The winner of the event will also bring home 150,000 Asia Miles. This probably explains why the 'five-star' event has a full field of 132 players.

USA's Natalie Tucker who won the first event on the 2007 LAGT Tour in Macau in January makes a return after missing the Hong Kong Ladies Masters, Thailand Ladies Open and the DLF Women's Indian Open. Also included is Libby Smith of the USA who grabbed the Hong Kong Ladies Masters last month.

The US girls' pedigree will be tested by the strong Korean line-up who include Ji Eun-hee (a two-time winner on the 2006 LAGT), Kim Hae-jung, 2006 Orient Zhuhai Ladies Open winner, Lee Ga-na, Na Da-ye, Choi Na-yeon and Ham Young-ae.

Adding further flavour to the field is hosts nation's Zhang Na, Wang Chun and Zhong Xiaolong, while Thailand's Russamee Gulyanamitta, Porani Chutichai, Pornanong Phatlum and Nontaya Srisawng are expected to spice up the event.

"I have no doubt that the Asian Miles-Binhai Ladies Open will take on the premier position as the Major of Asia. We welcome Asia Miles who are joining us as title sponsor and I believe that Binhai Golf Club will pose an exciting challenge to the professionals," said Wang Guofeng, president of Binhai Golf Club.

Dominic Purvis, General Manager Asia Miles said Asia Miles is proud to be the title sponsor of the Binhai Ladies Open. Shanghai is fast becoming a hub for international sporting events and Asia Miles' involvement in the tournament clearly demonstrates our commitment to the market."

Aylwin Tai, Chief Executive LAGT said the commitment from sponsors and the growing popularity of the Tour among the lady professionals, many of whom are playing in the leading Tours in the world, is a testimony that women's golf is a good platform for branding exercise.

"I'm confident that Chinese golf enthusiasts will be treated to world-class action," he said.

The winner of Asia Miles-Binhai Ladies Open will be granted a two-year (2007/08) exemption to play on the KLPGA Tour.

March 18 ,2007