Fan Fun

Ellie Goulding left everyone Starry Eyed on an enthralling day at the 2023 AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath.

The BRIT Award winner closed out day three of the Championship with a show including all of her greatest hits as she became the first-ever musical act to perform at the AIG Women’s Open.

Goulding was supported by rising star Pixey as she brought an end to her summer of shows with a headline set that included chart-topping singles Burn and Miracle.

The hordes of fans that attended Moving Day at Walton Heath were treated to thrilling action out on course as Charley Hull and Lilia Vu topped the leaderboard with the chasing pack one step behind. 

The practice area then became the dancefloor as the fans descended on the big stage, guided by the brand ambassadors who got the party started by hyping up the crowds.

A festival atmosphere was not just found at Goulding’s gig but also as fans arrived for a day at the golf.

The Festival Fan Village was a hive of activity throughout the week with plenty to do for visitors of all ages.

The coffee and food trucks were many people’s first port of call in the morning before throwing themselves into various activities.

The Golf It! Zone and Mastercard Mega Putt saw the next generation of golf stars honing their skills, with the former featuring a mini-golf course inspired by pinball, table football, pool and even the solar system.

And while the golf out at Walton Heath was scarcely believable at times, the fan village also allowed visitors to suspend reality with virtual reality golf with HSBC.

There was also the opportunity to relax with chill lounges and picnic areas, although you were never far from a big screen to keep an eye on the action. 

The screens drew in a big crowd on Saturday when the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final between England and Colombia was shown as the AIG Women’s Open showed support for other women’s sport. 

The Sessions Stage provided thoughtful discussions including a panel with the LET discussing optimal performance.

Meanwhile, England rugby star Zoe Aldcroft was in conversation with ground-breaking swimmer Alice Dearing and Telegraph women’s rugby correspondent Fiona Tomas as they debated changing fashion for women in sport. 

There was also a performance from Mastercard Artist Accelerator artist Young Athena, whose R&B songs are made with the help of AI.

The talks continued on the final day of the Championship with sporting legend Denise Lewis in conversation with Eilidh Barbour.