THE popular Ladies English Open will not be held at Chart Hills, near Ashford, next year.

Instead, it will take place at The Oxfordshire Golf Club, on July 4-6.

Both courses are owned by the Leaderboard Group and after three years at the Kent venue it was decided to move to a more central location.

A Leaderboard spokesman explained: “The Ladies English Open is contracted to the Leaderboard Group – and while Chart Hills has proved a superb venue we felt it would be beneficial if The Oxfordshire was once again host to a professional tour event, designed as it was to host such tournaments.

“Its central location, just more than a mile from the M40, potentially allows for more spectators, while the design of the course makes it very spectator-friendly.

“Having proved its popularity in the south-east, we felt it was right to allow golf fans in other regions to enjoy top-quality ladies golf. It will also provide a different test for the pros and subsequently offer something different for spectators.”

The Ladies English Open has traditionally attracted the cream of European golf. Eight of this year’s Solheim Cup team have played in the event in the last couple of years, with both Becky Brewerton and Maria Hjorth recording victories.

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY'S KENTISH EXPRESS