Traditionally, golf tournaments on both the men's and women's tours run from a Thursday to a Sunday.

However, the LET has decided to try out a new format in order to maximise potential interest in women's golf and avoid clashing with the men's game, as well as competing with other sports that traditionally attract a large number of spectators and television audiences at weekends.

"The Ladies European Tour strategy includes exploring new ways to provide maximum exposure to women's golf, widening the fan base beyond traditional golf fans, reflecting the reality of changed consumer behaviours and avoiding busy weekends which are over populated with so many sports," explained Ivan Khodabahksh, chief executive of the LET.

Next year's Turkish Ladies Open will take place from Sunday May 17 to Wednesday May 20 and will be broadcast live in more than 50 countries on Sky Sports and the Golf Channel.

The event will also see a doubling of prize money from this year's tournament which was won by French player Valentine Derrey, with next year's total fund rising to €500,000 (£396,000/$673,000).

Valentine Derrey claimed this year's Turkish Ladies Open at the National Golf Club in Belek ©Getty Images




Derrey won her title at the National Golf Club in Belek and the LET also announced the tournament is set to alternate between the National and the Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort in the Turkish city each year.

"It is our intention that the Turkish Ladies Open will continue to improve and grow as an international sporting occasion," said Bulent Göktuna, chairman of Mineks International, the promoters of the six previous Turkish Ladies Opens which have been running since 2008.

"I believe that playing the two courses on alternate years adds a new dimension to the tournament.

"We all look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Ladies European Tour and the players, many of whom we have developed strong relationships with through the last seven years.

"The doubling of the prize fund to €500,000 is the first step.

"Our ambition is to put the event on to the world stage.

"The Wednesday finish is unique for all, but will have a massive effect on the TV exposure worldwide."

Next year's tournament will take place at Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort, which got the thumbs-up from 2015 European Solheim Cup captain Carin Koch.

The Opet and Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort will be the venue for the 2015 Turkish Ladies Open ©LET



"The Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort is a first class resort with all of the amenities that a golfer could possibly want," said the Swede.

"The superb golf course is conveniently located in front of the impressive hotel, which houses a variety of restaurants, bars, shops and top entertainment.

"I always enjoy visiting Turkey as it's the perfect destination for Europeans to catch some sunshine whatever the season.

"I very much look forward to next year's tournament which will provide me with the perfect opportunity to watch some of the players who will be under consideration for my European Solheim Cup team."

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