Hoylake to host 2012 Ricoh Women's Open

THE Ricoh Women's British Open will be held for the first time at Hoylake – scene of Tiger Woods' last Open victory – in 2012. To avoid a clash with the London Olympics, the championship moves from its traditional late-July date to 13-16 September.

"Adding this news to previously announced Carnoustie for 2011 and our return to St Andrews in 2013, we have a thrilling few years ahead of us," said Shona Malcolm, the Ladies' Golf Union's chief executive officer.

Catriona Matthew defends the title at Royal Birkdale in Southport on 29 July-1 August.