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Ricoh joins Women's British Open
04/05/2007 |
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Ricoh, the global leader in digital office solutions, was announced as the new title sponsor of the Ricoh Women's British Open.
Ricoh, founded in 1936 in Japan, with annual sales of $16.4 Billion and 81,900 employees and offices in over 100 countries, has been an official supplier to the Women's British Open for a number of years and, after last year's Women?s British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes, were eager to further develop their relationship with one of golf's most prestigious Majors.
The high profile of women's golf in Asia, especially in Japan and Korea, made the Women's British Open the ideal platform for Ricoh to promote their brand internationally. Seeped in history, with a winners list that reads like a 'who's who of women?s golf', it is also the only Major played outside of the USA and boasts golf's most international field with players representing over 25 countries at the 2006 tournament.
Ricoh's move to title sponsor could not come at a more exciting time as the 2007 Ricoh Women's British Open will be played over the Old Course, St Andrews from 2nd ? 5th August. It will make history as the first Championship for women professionals to be played at the 'Home of Golf,' the scene of 26 Open Championships and many other professional men's tournaments.
Already sponsors of the Ricoh Cup on the Japanese LPGA Tour, the World Cup Ski Jump, European ATP tennis events and various Marathons, Ricoh are thrilled to be adding the Women's British Open to their sponsorship portfolio. Kirk Yoshida, CMO and Executive VP of Ricoh Company, Ltd. (Japan) commented, "We see the Ricoh Women's British Open to be the perfect event to represent our brand on the global stage. Everything from the international flavour of the field, the rich heritage and its Major status make it the ideal property for us. It is especially exciting to our customers and employees that this year's event will take place at the 'Home of Golf' and we are honoured to be working with the LGU and IMG to continue to grow and develop this great event."
Lesley Burn, the Ladies? Golf Union?s CEO added, "Ricoh have joined us at a fantastic time. The profile of the Women's British Open in the world of golf continues to rise and with the backing of such a successful and established global company as Ricoh, the future is very bright. We are delighted that Ricoh have recognised the many benefits the women's game offers to sponsors and look forward to a very successful partnership.
Carolyn Bivens, Commissioner of the LPGA commented, "I am delighted that Ricoh will be sponsoring one of our Major Championships. The tournament is played on some of the world's most famous courses and showcases many of the greatest golfers in the world. We are looking forward to travelling to St Andrews in August for the first of what I am sure will be many Ricoh Women's British Open Championships."
Alex Armas, Executive Director of the Ladies European Tour, said, "To have an international company such as Ricoh support women's golf in Europe is great news for our Tour and I am delighted that they have decided to take over the title position of the Women's British Open from Weetabix who have been such a major contributor to the development of the tournament during the past 20 years."
Japan's leading player Shiho Oyama said, "Ricoh are a very popular sponsor of golf in Japan and we are excited to hear that they will be the title sponsor at the Ricoh Women's British Open. Maybe their support will give Japanese golfers some sort of home advantage and one of us will win the Women?s British Open for the first time!"
Winner of the 2003 Women's British Open, Annika Sorenstam, commented, "It is great to hear Ricoh have committed to this historic tournament. With all the rising stars of Asia, it is not surprising that a leading international company such as Ricoh would be keen to title sponsor a Major. We are all looking forward to playing at The Old Course and this news has certainly added to the excitement of the event."
Scotland's Catriona Matthew also enthused, "This is only the second time the Women's British Open has been played in Scotland and obviously, as a Scot, winning a professional event on The Old Course would be a dream come true. Ricoh have come on board at the perfect time and I think, along with the players and spectators, they are in for an exciting week."
The prize fund for the 31st Women?s British Open will be $2,000,000 and last year's winner, Sherri Steinhauer, will be returning to defend her title. Millions will tune into the Ricoh Women?s British Open as it is televised around the world, including on the BBC in the UK, network television in the USA and on TV Asahi in Japan.
(Source: IMGworld.com)
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