With just two weeks to go before the 16th edition of the Evian Masters, from July 23-26, the board of the tournament have revealed the five players who will receive an exemption.

The five players selected to compete in the exclusive $3.25 million French tournament are the Russian No.1 Maria Verchenova, Swiss No.1 Caroline Rominger, England’s Melissa Reid, ranked third on the LET’s Henderson Money List, the top ranked French player on the LPGA Tour Karine Icher and the rising Japanese rookie Mika Miyazato.

An international meeting point
Asia is the best represented continent at the Evian Masters, with a majority of Korean players (over 20 % of the field), while the Japanese and Chinese presence is on the increase. And in order ensure that all players fully enjoy the Evian Masters experience, the Evian Masters now provides improved translation services dedicated to players who speak neither English nor French. The press service has strengthened its team with a Japanese press officer and a Korean interpreter to assist players and journalists.

An increasingly strategic course
With regards to the course, and in order to anticipate the increasingly high level of play, the organization teams have decided to spice up the stakes and give players a new challenge. A grass bunker has been created within driving distance on the 18th hole, meaning that the champions will have to take greater risks to produce an exploit.

Everyone at the Evian Masters!
Both enthusiasts and newcomers are sure to love golf with the Evian Masters. In particular, two new events for 2009 and numerous actions will ensure that as many people as possible can discover the sport. The biggest new feature: the Evian Masters Walks, to understand the game of golf, the competition and the stakes. During the 4 days of the competition, spectators can sign up for the walks and follow the competition in small groups in the company of an expert, who will provide them with all the key information to enjoy the show.

Societe Generale pulls out all the stops in the Public Village with a play zone open to the public: instructors are on-hand for both beginners and experienced players with hitting zones, a speed radar and a competition on the putting green… Great golfing fun is in store. Finally, during the traditional Lacoste Clinic, which takes place on Saturday 25 July after play, the champions put on their show. Spectacle guaranteed!

Evian Masters Juniors Cup, 15 nations ready to play
As the curtain-raiser to the Evian Masters, the Evian Master Juniors Cup, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, brings together for the 3rd year running the best young amateur golfers aged under 14. Great golf is in store from 15 nations including 10 European countries as well as Japan, China, Indonesia, India and for the very first time a Mexican team from the Ochoa Golf Academy. Each team is composed of 4 young players (2 girls and 2 boys) who will try their luck at triumphing for their country and becoming the next winner of the event, in the footsteps of Japan and Spain.