The Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel graciously extended a warm welcome to the founders and early members of the Ladies European Tour (LET) for a splendid weekend of professional golf. This gathering, which took place on 16th and 17th February, marked the 45th anniversary of the LET’s inaugural tournament, which was sponsored by Carlsberg.
The Director of Golf at Thorpeness, Christine Langford, a founding member of the LET and winner of four events, graciously hosted the event. Among the attendees were prominent figures such as Cathy Panton Lewis, Jenny Lucas (formerly Jenny Lee-Smith), and seven other founders of the LET, as well as players from the early days who have collectively achieved over 40 tournament wins.
The weekend was further enlivened by the presence of pioneering women golf journalists including Liz Kahn, Lewine Mair, and Patricia Madill, in addition to TV commentator Maureen Madill. The group savored a delightful celebration dinner prepared by the hotel’s Head Chef, David Margas, followed by an entertaining quiz and a heartwarming video featuring messages of support from various industry personalities.
The occasion also celebrated Liz Kahn’s 89th birthday. She played a crucial role in founding the LET and was part of the core group of journalists who accompanied the tour in the 80s. Additionally, representatives from the LET were present to conduct interviews and film the proceedings for an upcoming documentary on the history of women’s professional golf in Europe.
Christine Langford expressed her enthusiasm about the event, remarking that it had been a remarkable journey to research and organize the reunion. Jenny Lucas also echoed her sentiments, expressing her gratitude to Christine for arranging the wonderful reunion and reminiscing about the brilliant 45 years of the LET.
The weekend was a tribute not only to the 45 years of the LET but also to Dale Reid OBE, one of the tour’s most talented and charismatic players, who recently passed away at the age of 64.
The Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel, with its renowned 18-hole golf course, designed by James Braid, is indeed a fitting venue to celebrate the rich history of the LET. For further information about Thorpeness Golf Club & Hotel, please visit www.thorpeness.co.uk, and for details about the Ladies European Tour, please visit www.ladieseuropeantour.com.
The celebrations at Thorpeness were an uplifting and heartwarming occasion, bringing together remarkable individuals to commemorate the remarkable journey of the Ladies European Tour. Here’s to the next 45 years of women’s professional golf in Europe!