President hits back over ‘financial collapse’ fears

The Ladies European Tour hit back at suggestions that it is in danger of financial collapse following the cancellation of a number of events.

Players were told via email that the Ladies European Masters, due to be held in Germany in September, is the latest event not to go ahead.

The email, from LET director and player president Helen Alfredsson, urged players not to express their frustration in public, but one, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Times: “We do fear the financial collapse of the tour.”

A statement from the LET board of directors read: “The LET strongly rejects the recent negative speculation in the press about its future.

“The Tour has made significant investments over the last few years to raise its brand profile and television footprint which has already led to the introduction of a number of new tournaments.

“We fully understand the frustrations that our members have with the tournament cancellations and are doing everything we can to improve the situation.

“Nonetheless, the remainder of this year’s schedule remains strong and we are looking forward to the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open – our first fully co-sanctioned event with the LPGA Tour – in July, not to mention what promises to be the biggest Solheim Cup in its history in Des Moines, Iowa, the following month.”