Date: November 14, 2007
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Innovative firsts drive Women’s Open

Melbourne, Victoria: The 2008 MFS Women&aposs Australian Open launch was held today in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square with the promise of an interactive environment and filled with first time experiences for spectators and players alike. Executive Chairman Australian Opens, Paul McNamee said, “The Women&aposs Open is a marquee women’s sporting event and our national championship. “We are introducing many initiatives for the first time to tournament golf in Melbourne. We want to showcase the glamour on and off the course, let spectators get closer to the action, and increase the information flow via world&aposs best practice – literally change the experience for golfing fans and first timers to golf.” A first for the Women&aposs Open will be the introduction of the Myer Ladies Day on Friday 1st February. The nation&aposs largest department store will host a fashion show, a pamper lounge, reward the first 300 ladies through the gate on Myer Ladies Day with gift bags and hold glamour makeover sessions for the players. Other on course fan friendly initiatives at the Women&aposs Open in Melbourne will include: – Go Zones, allowing fans to literally follow their favourites on the fairways for the first time – Autograph Island with access to the stars – Kids Zone with fun and interaction for youngsters – Driving range with instruction for the inspired patron In yet another first for women&aposs golf, fans will have instant access to live scores and statistics at their finger tips, thanks to data capturing and analysis experts Cadability. Mobile kiosks will be stationed throughout the course enabling people to keep on top of all the action, all the time via touchscreens. Off course, golf scores and highlights will be available on PCs whether at work, at home – virtually anywhere. This sets a new benchmark for women&aposs golf anywhere in the world. In yet another first golf will be brought into the heart of the city via a &aposLive Site&apos in Federation Square on the first day of play, Thursday 31st January. “This initiative means even those who can&apost make it to the course or have never experienced golf will be able to witness the action at a live site,” stated McNamee. This is also the first time the MFS Women’s Australian Open will be played at Kingston Heath; one of the world s leading golf clubs. McNamee said, “Sporting events are entertainment and we are keen to create more atmosphere and interaction with the players for a bigger experience.” The 2008 MFS Women’s Australian Open promises a stellar line up. Joining already confirmed world number three and defending champion Karrie Webb and dual LET winner Nikki Garrett will be 21 year old Australian Sarah Kemp. Kemp led the 2007 Women&aposs Open on the first day with a course record of 66 and today helped launch the innovations. Aussies on the LPGA Tour confirmed for the event are Lindsey Wright with three top ten finishes this season and Katherine Hull winning three events on the ALPG before joining the LPGA, this year Hull has recorded two top ten finishes. On the international front, the 2005 US Women&aposs Open Champion, Birdie Kim will be one of 18 Korean players invited to play. Just this last weekend saw Birdie finish second at The Mitchell Company Tournament of Champions. Also on course will be accomplished English champion Laura Davies, who was the first non-American to finish at the top of the LPGA money list and has a bevy of titles under her belt. These ladies will be vying for the title along with a whole host of European and Japanese talent. Likely to be included is the outstanding 22 year old Sakura Yokomine, who currently sits at number 2 on the 2007 LPGA of Japan Money List has eight career victories, including three in 2007 and is currently number 20 on world rankings. Along with the LPGA, Korean and Japanese contingent will be 55 LET and 55 ALPG players making up a minimum starting field of 144. Also a special guest of the Championship and a treat for golfing fans will be the original glamour girl of golf and superstar, Jan Stephenson. “Importantly to ensure the success of this event we have the continued support of our existing sponsors, naming rights sponsor MFS and partners Peugeot Automobiles Australia and Fisher & Paykel, and broadcaster ABC TV who will be telecasting 18 hours of action along with international coverage in Asia in Europe. “We would also like to welcome to the MFS Women&aposs Australian Open, Tourism Victoria, and new hole sponsors Myer, TAG Heuer Watches and Konica Minolta,” concluded McNamee. The 2008 MFS Women&aposs Australian Open will be held at Kingston Heath, Cheltenham, from 31 January 3 February 2008. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster 1300 136 122 or www.ticketmaster.com.au.