Dame Laura Davies to join Colin Montgomerie at his Ilkley homecoming at the Yorkshire Invitational
As if luring Colin Montgomerie back to his home club of Ilkley wasn’t enough, the organisers of the Yorkshire Invitational have pulled off another big-name golfing coup for this year’s event.
Dame Laura Davies, the pioneer of women’s golf in Britain, a four-time major winner and a popular voice on the circuit as an analyst for Sky Sports, has agreed to play in the event at the idyllic course on the banks of the River Wharfe on September 16-17.
Montgomerie, the eight-time European Order of Merit winner and Ryder Cup hero, has long been confirmed as the host for the sixth edition of the Yorkshire Invitational, a seniors event and celeb-am run by SGH Events.
He was the marquee name organisers have long coveted given he grew up in Ilkley and was a member at the club. The Scot follows Ian Woosnam, Rich Beem and Mark James in hosting the event.
But Davies is an added, welcome bonus.
Andrew Jennings, of tournament hosts SGH Events, said: “You’re talking about two of the biggest names in the British game.
“Colin was an Ilkley member, it’s the prodigal son returning. This tournament has been six years in the making and to get him back is amazing for us.
“We’d had conversations with Laura in the past about hosting, but it’s not easy with her schedule, and yet she’s just said she’d come and play in it which is just brilliant.
“For a small tournament, not sanctioned, it’s fantastic and a nice pat on the back.”
Day one on Wednesday, September 16, is a pro-am in the morning and then a celeb-am in the afternoon with the likes of former Leeds United and England player Lee Sharpe and rugby union legend Zinzan Brooke set to be among the guest captains.
Day two on the Thursday is the seniors’ event.
“We’re starting to become the Wentworth of the north,” said Jennings.
“And best of all it’s free for people to come and watch.”
To reserve a spectating spot click here