The Evian Masters announced today that prize
money for the 2001 Evian Masters will be increased to £1.4 million (US$2.1
million) in an effort to position the event as the 'Augusta Masters' of the
Evian Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour.
It represents an increase of approximately £400,000 (US$300,000) on this
year's tournament, which was won by Annika Sorenstam, and cements its status
as the richest event in women's golf behind the US Women's Open.
Already considered by many of the leading players as a 'special event'
because of it 'Masters' format, generous prize money and unique setting on
the banks of Lake Geneva, the 2001 Evian Masters will feature as a flagship
championship for players from both Tours.
"Our goal is to have the Evian Masters attain the same status and prestige
for the women that the Augusta Masters has for the men," said Franck Riboud,
Chairman of the Evian Masters.
"To achieve that goal we believe it is important to maintain the quality of
the tournament, offer one of the richest purses in women's golf and raise
the hospitality shown to the players to even higher standards.
"
Following its inauguration in 1994, the Evian Masters has fast developed
into one of the premier events in Europe and one that players from both
sides of the Atlantic aspire to compete in.
"The increased prize money for next season will further enhance the Evian
Masters' unique standing for women professionals from both the Evian and
LPGA Tours," said Tim Howland, Chief Executive, Evian Tour.
"The Evian Masters already enjoys many similarities with the Masters at
Augusta, and with the increase in prize money the Evian Masters easily
satisfies all the criteria needed for Major status."
Having started off solely as a European Tour event, the Evian Masters became
joint-sanctioned with the LPGA in 2000 in order to attract the very best
players from across the world.
"We are very grateful for this significant purse increase to the Evian
Masters," said Ty Votaw, Commissioner of the LPGA Tour.
"The Evian Masters made a dramatic debut on the LPGA Tour's schedule in 2000
and this purse increase will only add to its prestige on the world golfing
stage."
Howland also confirmed that in addition to the increased prize money, the
Evian Masters Golf Club had expressed an interest in hosting The Solheim Cup
in 2008.
"The Solheim Cup is the premier tournament in women's golf and the Evian
Masters Golf Club has contacted me with regards to staging the event in
2008," added Howland.
"The (Evian Masters Golf) Club has many years experience in staging a major
tournament and has all the facilities to make a superb host venue for 2008."
The 2001 Evian Masters will take place at the Royal Evian Golf Club,
Haute-Savoie, France from June 13-16, 2001.
