First Wednesday Finish For Ladies Open
The Ladies European Tour (LET) has announced that the 2015 Turkish Airlines Ladies Open will become the first tournament on any major golf tour to finish on a Wednesday, in a bid to avoid ‘Sunday clutter’.
In a move that aims to boost value for broadcasters and sponsors, the event taking place from Sunday 17th to Wednesday 20th May will also feature record prize money of 500,000 euros – a 100% increase on 2014.
Dr Bulent Göktuna, the chairman of Mineks International, event promoter: “The doubling of the prize fund to 500,000 euro is the first step. Our ambition is to put the event on to the world stage. The Wednesday finish is unique for all, but will have a massive effect on the TV exposure worldwide.”
Breaking with the traditional Sunday finish will ensure that the tournament receives extended live television coverage on Sky Sports and Golf Channel and is expected to be watched in more than 50 countries worldwide.
The Wednesday finish is part of LET’s new ‘More than a Tour’ marketing and event strategy, which will also see the 18th hole floodlit (pictured above).
According to the LET, the floodlit hole could pave the way for a potential floodlit tournament in the future.
Ivan Khodabakhsh, LET’s CEO: “The Ladies European Tour strategy includes exploring new ways to provide maximum exposure to women’s golf, widening the fan base beyond traditional golf fans, reflecting the reality of changed consumer behaviours and avoiding busy weekends which are over populated with so many sports.”
The story comes after the LET recently announced a new ten-year deal with premier watchmaker Omega, and a lucrative extension to its broadcast deal with Sky Sports in the UK.
