Wales' bid to host the 2009 Ryder Cup moved a step closer yesterday when the Principality Building Society announced its backing for a new tournament that will be the third richest event on the Evian Ladies European Tour calendar.
In a move to showcase their support for the Welsh Ryder Cup bid, the building society have been unveiled as official financial services sponsor of the WPGA Championship of Europe - which will be held at Royal Porthcawl from July 26th to 29th.
With the WPGA Championship falling the week before the Weetabix British Open, it is likely to attract stars such as Laura Davies, Sophie Gustafson and Catrin Nilsmark to one of the finest links in South Wales.
Meanwhile, Australia's Nancy Doolan birdied the fifth play-off hole to defeat Wendy Ward for her first career title, taking the rain-shortened $750,000 LPGA Champions Classic at Beavercreek, Ohio on Sunday.
Doolan fired an eight-under par 64 to match first-round leader Ward at 12-under par 132 after 36 holes at the event, a weekend-only affair after play was washed out on Friday.
The 32-year-old Australian had only one runner-up finish in 127 events but came within one shot of the course record and hung tough in the play-off.
Both women parred the first play-off hole, made bogeys at the second, birdied the third and parred the fourth before Doolan ended the struggle in near-darkness with a seven-foot birdie on the day's 23rd hole.
