Laura Davies, twice winner of the title, is to return to the Irish Women's Open at Ballyliffin on September 3rd to 6th. Her last appearance in the event was at City-West in 1996, when it was captured by her foursomes partner, Alison Nicholas.

Davies made her first impact on golf in this country when, in October 1993, she shot a 66 at Woodbrook to win the Ford Ladies' Challenge. Almost predictably, she went on capture the inaugural Irish Women's Open at St Margaret's the following year.

Then, in successfully defending the title at the same in 1995, she set a world record, 25-under-par total of 267 to be no fewer that 16 strokes clear of second-placed Asa Gottmo of Sweden. As part of her commitment to the Ballyliffin event, she will play in the pre-tournament pro-am and will also conduct a 45-minute clinic.