The first two major champions of the year, Australia’s Minjee Lee and American Jennifer Kupcho, have confirmed their participation in this year’s Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open taking place at Dundonald Links from July 28-31. The event is managed by IMG.
Lee, who won her second major title at the US Women’s Open earlier this month by four shots, is currently the highest ranked player entered in this year’s 144-women field, at number three in the Rolex Rankings. Lee’s US Women’s Open victory was her second LPGA win of the season after last month’s Cognizant Founders Cup, taking her total LPGA victories to eight. She returns to Dundonald Links for her sixth appearance in the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, having three top 10 finishes including solo second place in 2018.
America’s Jennifer Kupcho captured her first major title in April at the first major of the year, The Chevron Championship. An impressive third round of 64 saw her enter the final day with a six-shot lead, and despite a shaky back nine she finished the championship two shots clear of fellow American Jessica Korda. This past weekend, Kupcho won her second LPGA title at the Meijer LPGA Classic where she beat Ireland’s Leona Maguire and world No.2 Nelly Korda in a dramatic three way play off. She will be looking to make her first cut in three appearances at this year’s Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open.
Speaking on her return to Scotland, Lee commented: “I can’t wait to return to Scotland this summer for the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open. I have great memories of playing in this event and its always so special to come back to Scotland. Links golf is always challenging, but I really enjoy navigating the different conditions as we don’t get to experience a true links test very often. I’ve also heard great things about the newly transformed Dundonald Links so I’m excited to experience it in person and also try to keep building on my win at the US Open. My brother Min Woo won the Scottish Open last year which was a huge win for him, and it definitely gives me a little extra incentive to try and win the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open title so we have one each.”
Commenting on her recent victory, Kupcho said: “I’m really excited to play in this year’s Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open. I last played this event in 2020, so I’m looking forward to being back and taking on the challenge of true links golf again. This has already been such a special year for me winning my first Major Championship and I will definitely be leaning on that experience to give me the extra boost of confidence that the tough Scottish coastal courses demand."
This year’s field is the strongest yet with seventeen major winners already entered into the field at Dundonald Links, and more set to sign up before the entry deadline closes on July 13th.
This is Trust Golf’s second year as title sponsor and has increased this year’s prize-fund by 33% to $2million. The Thai based technology enterprise took over as title sponsor in 2021 as part of an ambition to help grow the women’s game and develop the next generation of golfers. Through their sponsorship of the Women’s Scottish Open, Trust Golf aim to create the best opportunities for female golfers on an international stage and use the platform to elevate women’s golf.
The Scottish Government and VisitScotland are strong supporters of women’s golf and have a long-standing commitment to the Women’s Scottish Open. As part of their goal to grow the women’s game in Scotland, VisitScotland announced last year a brand new 5-year funding agreement to the Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open with investment up to £6 million through to 2025.
The 2022 Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open is the only professional golf event taking place in the West of Scotland this summer. Fans will return to Dundonald Links at full capacity after a covid imposed two-year hiatus. Tickets are available to purchase at www.womensscottish.com.