TWO-THEMED days take place during the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open, which gets under way today (Thursday).

The Renaissance Club, Dirleton, plays host to the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the LPGA and Ladies European Tour, just three weeks after the men’s event on the same course.

It features world-class talent including defending champion and major winner Ariya Jutanugarn, as well as Jeongeun Lee, So Yeon Ryu, Georgia Hall, Charley Hull and North Berwick’s very own Team Europe Solheim Cup captain, Catriona Matthew.

New for the 2019 event is Ladies Day, which takes place on Saturday, giving women who attend the chance to not only watch the golf but take part in a golf clinic with European Tour coach Gary Nicol. They can also enjoy live music from former Westlife star Brian McFadden and upcoming Scottish artist Hugh Kelly. No golfing experience is required and welcome drinks will be served to all attendees on arrival as well as a free shuttle service in operation from North Berwick train station.

Participants will also be able to enjoy cocktail-making masterclass sessions supported by Loch Lomond Distillery, relax with a complimentary neck and shoulder massage courtesy of North Berwick’s Macdonald Marine Hotel; and witness a special guest question and answer session in the tournament village hosted by television personality Emma Dodds.

Martin Gilbert, chairman of Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “The Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open is committed to showcasing this special event to as many new audiences as possible.

“It’s important for us to bring in new fans to golf and we hope that Ladies Day offers women who might not have previous golfing experience the opportunity to visit The Renaissance Club and have a fantastic day out.”

In addition to Ladies Day, Solheim Cup Sunday is also new this year.

In support of the Solheim Cup which takes place at Gleneagles next month, fans are encouraged to get behind the tournament by wearing Team Europe or Team USA colours.

The best-dressed fan will receive a special Solheim Cup pin flag signed by all the European Team and there will be on-the-spot prizes for those that have made the effort.

Another special guest question and answer session will take place in the spectator village with a number of Solheim Cup stars, giving fans the opportunity to ask what it is like to be part of one of the world’s greatest golf events.

Paul Bush, director of events with VisitScotland, said: “The Solheim Cup is one of the world’s greatest golf events and with it taking place just one month after the Ladies Scottish Open, it only felt right to put on a day for the fans to show their support.

“Scotland’s Catriona Matthew will captain Team Europe for the first time and we hope that spectators and fans alike can get behind her and all the players at the Ladies Scottish Open who are looking to qualify for each of the prestigious teams.”