The countdown has begun for one of the major events on the Spanish women's professional golf calendar: La Sella Open, which will be held from September 19-22 at La Sella Golf Course (Dénia, Alicante). The 25th event of this Ladies European Tour season will bring together the best players on the European circuit in Spain for the second edition of an event that aims to exceed the high expectations created after being voted by the players themselves as the 'Best LET Tournament 2023'.

This recognition highlights the importance of La Sella Open, both for the quality of its facilities and the beauty of its surroundings, and for its unwavering commitment to high-level women's sports in general and golf in particular. The event stands out as the professional women's golf tournament with the largest prize purse in Spain. Its substantial €1,000,000 purse reflects the effort to equalize the recognition and rewards for women's golf with those for men's.

 «"A tournament for them"»

The motto of La Sella Open, "A Tournament for Them," underscores the goal of giving visibility and recognition to women in sports. This event provides a platform for female golfers to compete at the highest level, with tournaments that reduce the social and economic disparities between female and male athletes. Financial limitations and the difficulty of balancing a sports career with family and social responsibilities are challenges many women face, which can discourage them from participating in competitive sports. This is a complex issue, and one that deserves recognition. Excellence on the course must also be accompanied by values off the course; therefore, La Sella Open aims to reward the efforts of female golfers and make this a tournament that fulfills this important objective that all of society should strive for.

 «We are aware of the importance of sport in our society, and for us, women must be at the forefront,” emphasizes Carlos García, director of the tournament's host course, adding that “at La Sella Golf, supporting junior and women's golf is a constant, ingrained in our DNA. Our group embodies values that extend beyond the purely business-oriented.» This philosophy defines the objective of this tournament, designed to support the sporting careers of professional female golfers.

“Last year, the players themselves chose La Sella Open as the best tournament on the circuit. And we want to believe it was because they felt almost at home here: cared for, protected, and respected. Nothing has changed this year. Our enthusiasm and motivation are the same; perhaps a little more experienced, we will take even better care of the players,” says Carlos García.

French golfer Céline Herbin, a local player at La Sella and a regular on the European Tour, also highlights the unique nature of this event: «The Sella Open is truly a tournament like no other on the tour, and anywhere in the world. Its special 'A Tournament for Them' format has been so well-received that it was voted by the players as the best LET tournament of 2023. A huge success that very few tournaments have achieved, especially in their first year. Women’s golf is very grateful for all the efforts that La Sella Golf is making, and we players are excited to be competing here again,‘ Herbin notes.

Regarding the challenges facing professional women's golf, Céline Herbin acknowledges that there are still many, such as consolidating its position as a platform for the expansion and development of women through sport and attracting more girls to play golf. The Sella Open aims to serve as a role model for girls around the world and become a space for players to showcase their best qualities and the best of their sport.

The director of La Sella Golf echoed this sentiment: «Fortunately, women’s professional golf is well established. Now, the challenge is to grow it and attract media attention so that more and more people follow the women’s circuit.» This is something that La Sella Open will undoubtedly achieve, as its second edition will once again be broadcast worldwide by major television networks.

The 2024 Sella Open promises to be another unforgettable experience for players, volunteers, and spectators alike, all of whom are essential to the tournament's success. With the aim of maximizing the visibility of women's golf, the event will be open to the public, and the organizers invite everyone to participate, whether by cheering on the players from the sidelines or volunteering at this major sporting event, which will once again demonstrate that the future of women's golf is full of possibilities.

SOURCE: Tournament organizers.