THE prizefund for this year's Guardian Irish Women's Open, which takes place at Citywest, near Saggart, Co Dublin, on July 25th-28th, has been increased to £110,000, making it one of the top five events on the European women's circuit.

Now in its third year, Guardian Insurance has assumed title sponsorship having previously acted as co-sponsors with Bord Failte. And there is a possibility that the prizemoney will increase by a further £15,000 by the time some of Europe's top players, chasing Solheim Cup points, visit the Christy O'Connor Jnr-designed lay-out.

World number one Laura Davies, who successfully defended her title when the tournament was held at St Margaret's last year, has already intimated she will play in an event which the players voted as their favourite on the WPGE Tour last season.