Justin Rose and wife Kate have come forward during the main ladies tours’ downtime to sponsor a mini-circuit in the UK dubbed the Rose Ladies Series.
The Roses decided to sponsor the women’s series after finding out about Ladies European Tour (LET) professional Liz Young’s efforts to stage a competition at her home club, Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club in the New Forest, to enable local players to stay competitive. The LET is only scheduled to return in mid-August.
The Rose Ladies Series consists of seven 18-hole events and a 36-hole final, running from mid-June to end-July. One of the venues is Royal St George’s, which was due to host the 2019 Open Championship in July until this year’s event was cancelled.
“Professional sports people are not machines – we cannot just power on and go. We have to nurture our skills in order to rely on them when needed, usually under pressure,” said Rose.
“My wife and I felt it was an opportunity for us to help where we can. We are therefore delighted to say that we will be supporting a mini-series for ladies to take place in June and July. This will comprise a number of one-day events at some of the top courses in England. The prize money will be modest but we hope that the series will give our talented lady golfers the opportunity to showcase their skills. Sky TV have agreed to provide a package for viewers and the Sunday Telegraph will ensure the events are well reported.”
Rose voiced his gratitude to the venue clubs, which are making their courses available for free. “Needless to say, Kate and I are immensely grateful to the host clubs for making their courses available to us, and for the enthusiastic support of all those behind the scenes who make the tournaments run smoothly.
“In particular, we are also grateful for the support and encouragement of the more established lady professional golfers for supporting this event. Through their participation they will encourage support for their sport and show the flame for ladies’ golf will not be easily extinguished,” noted the 2013 US Open and reigning Olympic champion.
Rose Ladies Series Schedule:
June 18 – Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club
June 25 – Moor Park Golf Club
July 2 – Buckinghamshire Golf Club
July 9 – Royal St George’s
July 16 – JCB Golf & Country Club
July 23 – Bearwood Lakes Golf Club
July 30-31 – Final (venue TBC)
