The 2023 OCEANTEE WPGA Series will quite literally be ground-breaking insomuch that a pair of its events will be played overseas for the first time.
Having broken boundaries in 2022 by staging an event in Scotland, this year’s schedule includes a pro-am and traditional one-day stroke-play tournament contested at Glasson Lakehouse in County Westmeath, Ireland.
The course, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and was designed by 1989 Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jnr, is as challenging as it is scenically stunning. The first nine holes overlook Lough Ree, the second nine, which features the par-three 17th with both tee and green situated in the lake, overlooks Killinure Bay.
O’Connor described it as one of the most scenic pieces of land he had seen in his life. All of which makes the venue the perfect stage to kick off a programme that, comprising 11 events, offers more than £30k in prize money.
Having started beyond England’s borders in May, the points-garnering aspect of the Series that will determine the winner of the Order of Merit culminates with a one-day stroke-play tournament in Scotland at Lanark in September.
The pursuit of silverware or, to be pedantic, a cutglass trophy will not end there, however. As has become traditional, the programme ends in early October with the Vivien Saunders Fourball plus the presentation of the Sarah Bennett Order of Merit trophy at Trentham Golf Club, Staffordshire.
In between times two of the five one-day stroke-play events return to tried and tested venues - Three Rivers and Mendip Spring - while newcomer Crewe Golf Club completes the quintet.
Unfamiliar courses will also be the stages for the increasingly popular team events on the schedule. In addition to Glasson, a pro-am will be staged at Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, and the Mixed Greensomes will be held at Essendon Golf Club, Hertfordshire.
By contrast, the blue riband event of the OCEANTEE WPGA Series, the Women's PGA Championship, returns to Open Championship qualifying venue, Kedleston Park, Derbyshire, in early July for the fourth year running. And, following its successful introduction last year, the WPGA Assistants’ Championship will run in tandem over the two days.
CLICK HERE to view the 2023 OCEANTEE WPGA schedule.
Even more familiar to the WPGA schedule given their loyal and valued support are its sponsors, OCEANTEE. This will be the third year the sustainable golf brand has sponsored the Series and its founder and managing director Ed Sandison is looking forward to another competitive campaign.
"This is our third year as sponsors of the WPGA Series and the competition feels wide open this season," he said. "2022 saw some fantastic talent turning out to play including newcomers Emma Allen and the Series winner Abigail O'Riordan.
“The Series continues to evolve with more events, new locations and innovative formats so we hope that these developments will encourage more WPGA members to take part. Best of luck to all concerned and we'll look forward to following the action throughout the season."
Commenting on the programme, Tristan Crew, The PGA’s executive director, member services, added: “The WPGA and women’s golf are extremely important to the Association, so providing an aspirational tournament programme for the female membership throughout Great Britain and Ireland is a priority Member service.
“This is reflected in the 2023 OCEANTEE WPGA Series and the ancillary schedule that features events of varying formats being staged at a host of prestigious golf courses.
“This year sees the WPGA visiting Ireland for the first time, with a pro-am and a professional tournament taking place on consecutive days at Glasson Lakehouse in County Westmeath.
“Crewe, Essendon and Thorpe Wood Golf Clubs come on board as new venues for WPGA tournaments, while the continued support of Kedleston Park, Lanark, Three Rivers, Mendip Spring and Trentham in hosting our events is much appreciated.
“The wide geographical spread demonstrates our commitment to making tournaments accessible to all WPGA Members and I hope as many as possible will take advantage of this year’s series.”
CLICK HERE to view the 2023 OCEANTEE WPGA schedule.
2023 OCEANTEE WPGA schedule:
| 22nd May | Glasson Lakehouse Pro-Am |
| 23rd May | Glasson Lakehouse, One-Day Series |
| 5th June | Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, Pro-Am |
| 20th June | Three Rivers Golf and Country Club, One-Day Series |
| 3-4th July | Kedleston Park, WPGA & Assistants’ Championship |
| 28th July | Crewe Golf Club, One-Day Series |
| 31st July | Essendon Golf Club, Herts, Mixed Greensomes |
| 21st August | Mendip Springs, One-Day Series |
| 12th September | Lanark Golf Club, One-Day Series |
| 6th October | Trentham, Vivien Saunders Fourball & OOM presentation |
