LAURA DAVIES HEADS TO LADIES'
ENGLISH OPEN IN JULY

England's best-ever lady professional golfer, Laura Davies, has been confirmed as an entry into the Ladies English Open at Chart Hills in July.
Always a crowd-puller, Davies, now 43, has won the European order of merit five times and has career earnings exceeding €3.2m.
She missed the 2006 event because she was walking the Great Wall of China in a charity fund-raiser, but will be keen to show a home crowd what they missed as she looks to improve on her current standing of 66th in the order of merit.
Six of the current top 10 in the money list have already confirmed entry into the Ladies English Open, which takes place at the picturesque Kent course from July 5-7. That half-dozen includes three British hopefuls: England’s Rebecca Hudson, Wales’ Becky Brewerton and Scotland’s Clare Queen.
Also expected to take part are Kent’s own former British Open champion Karen Stupples, who recently gave birth to a baby boy, and Dani Masters, who enjoyed her best finish on an LET event at last year’s Ladies English Open.
Masters is actually a member at Chart Hills, as is American Laura Terebey, who will also be in the event, playing on her 2007 conditional card. Last year’s winner, Cecilia Ekelundh, will also be back to defend her trophy.
Chart Hills’ general manager, Rod Park, said: “Having Laura playing in the Ladies English Open is very exciting for everybody concerned.
“She was desperately disappointed to miss out on the event last year, but she honoured a previous commitment when the dates were changed and you have to admire her for her integrity.
“It will also be great to welcome Karen (Stupples) back to Chart Hills. We’ve always treated her as one of our own and for her to return to competitive golf at Chart Hills after the birth of her son will be another tremendous boost for local golf fans.”
■ The Ladies English Open takes place at Chart Hills GC, Biddenden, Kent, from July 5-7. For more information or to order tickets visit www.ladiesenglishopen.co.uk