Hosting the championship is the culmination of one Welsh golf club's commitment to developing the sport amongst women golfers, say the managers at Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club in Carmarthenshire who welcome the event to West Wales 16-19 August.

The Club hosts the Championship for the third year running with a £350,000 prize fund, one of the highest on the Ladies European Tour.

Mark Reed, General Manager and Director of Coaching says that hosting the event significantly raises the profile of Machynys to important audiences.

"But I must point out that Machynys prides itself on welcoming lady golfers and visitors all year round, this event is not just a one-off effort. The Club is very proud of its growing list of lady members and visitors and of the complete package it offer s to ladies of all abilities" he said.

"When we host a prestigious event, like this, we're pleased to receive positive feed-back from world-class players but, equally, development of the womens' game at grass roots level is as important."

Mark says that the aspects of golf that have put women off learning the game as a novice in the past, such as course etiquette and rules, are all addressed in special ladies-only group golf lessons, where the emphasis is on fun and informality followed by coffee and banter.

All aspects of the game are covered, from woods and irons shots to chipping and putting. As a result, the female membership at Machynys is growing, as more women and girls take up the game. They realise that golf can be fun, provide a great way to keep fit and make new friends.

"For Machynys, identification with the Wales Ladies Championship of Europe enhances the Club's relationship with the women's game" said Ryder Cup Wales Chief Executive, Rob Holt.

Promising that the winning of the bid to host the Ryder Cup in 2010 would leave Wales with a lasting golfing legacy, Ryder Cup Wales Ltd. undertook to attract and manage a world class series of golf events in Wales each summer and the Wales Ladies Championship of Europe which, this year, is sponsored by S4C, is one of the signature contracts.

"At this club, in particular, however, very real efforts are made to further fulfil Wales's bid commitments, to attract women and girls to the game and to make them feel welcome when they become involved. Wales is leading the world in promoting golf as an egalitarian sport and clubs like Machynys are at the forefront."

The S4C Wales Ladies Championship of Europe will take place at Machynys Peninsula Golf and Country Club in Carmarthenshire during 16-19 August.