On the same day they announced a 50-50 partnership with the LPGA, the Ladies European Tour announced a new season-long bonus race that will end with three winners splitting €250,000.
The Ladies European Tour announced the Race to Costa del Sol, which will culminate in the season-ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino. The Race to Costa del Sol is a rebrand of the tour's money list, with a bonus pool of €250,000 going to the top three players at the end of the season.
The winner earns €125,000, with the second-highest finisher receiving €75,000, and the No. 3 player on the money list getting €50,000.
The season-ending event will take on more significance in determining the Race to Costa del Sol winner, too. The prize pool for the Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España Femenino will double from €300,000 to €600,000.
Aloha Golf Club in Marbella, Spain, will continue to host the tournament.
Several Spanish organizations came together to make the increased commitment to golf, with the Ministry of Tourism of the Junta de Andalucía, Turismo Costa del Sol, Acosol – Commonwealth of Municipalities of the Costa del Sol Occidental and the municipalities of Benahavís and Marbella all committing.
The organizations hope the Race to Costa del Sol will showcase tourism in both the Costa del Sol and Andalucia.
The Race to Costa del Sol is the latest sign the Spanish government and related organizations are increasing their commitment to golf. The European Challenge Tour signed a new four-year deal with the the Federación Balear de Golf to bring their season-ending tournament to the Spanish-owned island of Mallorca and rename the season-long money race the Road to Mallorca.
