Golf

The Ricoh Women's British Open is one of the four Majors in Women's Golf, and the only Major played outside of the USA. Seeped in history, with a winners list that reads like a "who's who of women's golf", the tournament boasts the most international field of any women's golf event. Last year's championship saw 144 players compete for a total prize fund of £1,050,000, including the world number one Lorena Ochoa and three previous winners of the Women's British Open Championships - Karrie Webb, Se Ri Pak and Karen Stupples. BBC TV showed live coverage of all four days as well as several international TV Networks in the USA, Japan and SE Asia.

During the 2008 tournament over 4,000 trees were planted for the Seeds for Africa charity and Ricoh will be continuing this initiative in 2009.

Ricoh Europe has agreed to partner the Duke of York Championship Trophy & Foundation as the official IT and office automation partner. The Trophy & Foundation created by HRH, the Duke of York is the world-leading international 54-hole stroke play amateur golf tournament for boys and girls who are either the current holders of their Under 18 National Championship or have won a major golfing event in the preceding year. It is registered as a charity and was established in 2004 to promote amateur sport for the benefit of young people. It is also creating academic and golf scholarships for 13-18 year old players to give them the chance to play the game whilst still receiving a high standard of education.

We decided to support this initiative as it is a natural extension of our presence in the world of golf following the successful and ongoing title sponsorship of the Ricoh Women’s British Open last year. This addition of our golf partnership portfolio will see the leading amateur golfers compete for the Championship trophy and also promotes the healthy development of the junior golfers to excel in both their sporting and academic ambitions. Furthermore, the organizing committee will use our products behind the scenes and the Ricoh brand will be visible on-site as well as on all event promotional materials.