A STRONG international field is set to gather on the west coast of Scotland for this year’s Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open Championship.

The three-day stroke play event will take place from Friday until Sunday, with Troon Portland and Royal Troon playing host to the event which will also count as a qualifier for this year’s PING Junior Solheim Cup.

Slovenia’s Pia Babnik is one of the favourites to make the European team for the event at Gleneagles, currently sitting third in the official PING Junior Solheim Cup rankings. Speaking to Scottish Golf ahead of the event, Babnik said: “I would like to keep my good form from Spain and Portugal to try and get as many points for this year’s Junior Solheim Cup. I would really like to play well in the event, especially because it is in Scotland where I always play good golf. I am looking forward to competing this week, I love links courses and this year we have the opportunity to play on some of Scotland’s best at the Helen Holm, it should be an exciting event.”

Scottish hopefuls include Chloe Goadby who is the highest ranked Scot in this week’s field with a handicap of +4.7. Troon Ladies member Connie Jaffrey, from Kilwinning will be in the first group out on Friday and is also looking forward to competing on her home course, adding: “I am excited to be back playing in the Helen Holm, a tournament that is close to my heart. Troon is a true test and will be an exciting experience for all competitors and spectators alike.” Hannah Darling will be looking to build on her impressive performance at the Scottish Girls’ Open as she continues her bid to qualify for The PING Junior Solheim Cup. Speaking to Scottish Golf following her win in St Andrews, Hannah said: “It’s a women’s event this week so it will be stepping up another level, but I am definitely happy with where my game is at the moment and I am ready to take on the challenge and hopefully I can come out with a good finish at the Helen Holm.” This year’s Helen Holm Championship will be played over 54 holes of stroke play with the top 66, including ties making the 36-hole cut.

The opening two rounds will be contested on Royal Troon, Portland with the final showdown taking place on Royal Troon’s Old Course.

A full list of tee times for Friday’s opening round can be found here. Scoring from the 2019 Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open will be available here. Ends. For any enquiries please contact: Cameron McLay, Communications Manager - c.mclay@scottishgolf