TOP WOMAN GOLFER TEES-OFF NEW COMPETITION

Top golfer Alison Nicolas has teed-off a unique UK amateur golf competition for women.

The Alison Nicholas Ladies Golf Classic 1999 has been launched to encourage as many women as possible to play in their own UK amateur golf competition. Open to any amateur woman golfer with a recognised handicap, it is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

Regional heats will be held around the country during June and July with the winning teams going through to a grand final. The regional competition is a three ball am/am stableford - best two scores to count - and is open to anyone with a recognised handicap with a handicap limit of 30.

Women taking part in the regional competitions will be able to enjoy a free golf clinic with the Marriott club professional, free use of the hotel leisure facilities, top quality prizes, dinner and prize presentation, special overnight accommodation rates and discounts in the Pro Shop.

At the final at the Marriott Forest of Arden Golf Course, Birmingham on 27 September Alison, together with some of her fellow professional golfers, will join each of the competing teams as a team member.

The format for the final is a four-ball pro/am and there will be a complimentary golf clinic with Alison Nicholas in the morning to get players in the swing.

Alison said: "I want to develop this tournament over the coming years until we have a large number of regional heats, including junior competitions, making it the most prestigious amateur ladies team competition in the golfing calendar. Women's golf, I believe, is at the threshold of a new era and my wish is that every woman golfer in the UK can be part of its development.

Leaflets and posters giving details of the competition are being sent to golf clubs throughout the country.

Regional venues:

Entry fee of £275 per team is appliable.