THE world’s number one female golfer has confirmed she will play at the Ladies Scottish Open.

Lydia Ko will take part in the Asset Management-sponsored tournament at Dundonald Links in July.

The New Zealand teenager is the latest and the biggest name in female golf to confirm attendance and her arrival is already setting the tournament alight with excitement.

Lydia will join world number five, Suzann Pettersen, European number one, Charley Hull and Tiger Woods’ niece, Cheyenne Woods. She will spend two weeks in Ayrshire swinging her clubs at Dundonald Links and Turnberry for the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

Ayrshire is no stranger to hosting the world’s best golfing talent and as a proud sponsor of the Ladies Scottish Open, North Ayrshire Council are delighted to be hosting the world’s number one in ladies golf.

Council Leader Willie Gibson said: “We knew that more names were expected to be announced in the coming weeks and the names in women’s golf don’t come much bigger than Lydia Ko. Her arrival cements North Ayrshire as ‘the place to be’ to host credible and quality events on an international stage.

“Lydia’s participation is fantastic news for golf fans and a fantastic opportunity for the local economy. It throws light on North Ayrshire as an international place of sport, business and leisure.

“This will be a remarkable tournament with a remarkable calibre of players – the world’s best in women’s golf - and they’ll be right on our doorstep. This is as exciting as it gets in women’s golf and I would urge golf fans and would-be fans to come and experience this free event.

“As Leader of North Ayrshire Council I am absolutely delighted to be welcoming Lydia to our beautiful part of the world.” The 54-hole tournament tees off on Friday, July 24 and concludes on Sunday, July 26. It is free for spectators and offers fun for all the family. There will be a golf activity zone and a food and drinks theatre showcasing the best of Ayrshire’s wares.

Meanwhile Scottish hopeful Carly Booth is looking forward to the top event and said: “The course at Dundonald Links is fantastic. It’s challenging, but at the same time it’s scoreable. It just depends on the weather.

“Having a few extra practice rounds is going to make a big difference. There are a lot of mounds and greens sloping in different directions. You need to know where to hit it. Course management will be key “I’m finally in a good place with my game and the mental side, it’s all starting to come together nicely.” Compatriot Kylie Walker is also relishing the challenge and added: “I have played Dundonald Links quite a lot in recent times, I’ve been down a few times to play this year.

“It’s going to be a really good week, being here before the British Open, it’s going to be a much higher scoring round here,” On the pressure of playing in front of a home crowd she added: “I only really feel excited by that, to have all the home support. I have a lot of high expectations for myself so I don’t really feel that as a pressure.

“It’s going to be great, I’m from Glasgow so it’s only just a hop up the road so it’s really nice, hopefully I’ll have a lot of people down supporting me.”