ENGLISH WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE 72 holes STROKE-PLAY

FROM THE ENGLISH WOMEN'S AMATEUR GOLF ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
The English women’s close amateur championship has a new stroke-play format this year and will be played from May 15-17 at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Lancashire – one of the country’s top courses.
The championship - handicap limit of six - will be played over 72 holes with a cut after two rounds. The top 36 players and ties will go forward to play the final 36 holes on the last day.
Previously competitors played two stroke-play qualifying rounds with the top 32 players going forward to match-play knock-out. However, entries have dropped over recent years and it is felt the stroke-play format, played over three days instead of five, will be more appealing.
Championship manager Emma Lowe remarked: “The entry fee is just £45 and, including practice, players are guaranteed at least three rounds on a wonderful golf course which has hosted The Open Championship and the Women’s British Open.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and we’re hoping for a really big entry.”
Online entry to all EWGA championships opens on February 1, 2012.