The Evian Tour announced a new sponsor for the 2001 WPGA Championship of Europe, to be held from July 26-29 at Royal Porthcawl GC in Wales.

Principality Building Society have signed a three year deal with the Tour to become the official financial services sponsor for the WPGA Championship of Europe, the third richest tournament on the Evian Tour with a prizefund of
£400,000.

The event, played a week before European golf’s new Major, the Weetabix Women’s British Open, is destined to attract a world-class field playing over one of the finest links in South Wales with most of last year’s winning Solheim Cup team expected to be in attendance.

John Mitchell, the chief executive of Principality was delighted with the partnership:

‘This is an exciting venture for the Principality Building Society. Our aim is to support both the Evian Tour and golf in Wales. We also recognise that this is a stepping stone towards achieving the ambition of bringing the
Ryder Cup to Wales in 2009, which we are very proud to be a part of’.

And Evian Tour chief executive Tim Howland reiterated the fact that more blue chip companies were showing interest in the growing popularity of women’s European golf.

‘I am thrilled to see that more top flight companies are looking at the Evian Tour as a vehicle to promote their businesses,’ said Howland.

‘The Evian Tour is strengthening and with Principality’s involvement over the next three years, the future looks bright for women’s European golf.

‘And it is great news for the 2009 Wales Ryder Cup bid that such a big company should give its backing to a prestigious event such as the WPGA Championships,’ he added.

Founded in 1860, Principality Building Society is Wales’ largest independent financial organisation. With more branches in Wales than any other building society and is one of the largest building societies in Great Britain.

And Principality is offering two ladies an exclusive opportunity to compete in the WPGA Championships Pro-Am tournament on Wednesday 25th July. To enter the draw, pick up an application from your nearest branch of the
Principality Building Society.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT MARTIN PARK, LET COMMUNICATIONS ON 0207 881 4367 or 07776 150743.
mpark@lete.co.uk