Ian Woosnam Fires Brunei Warning

Boonchu Ruangkit, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam

Former World Number One Ian Woosnam has fired an ominous warning to his rivals on the European Senior Tour, saying his form is returning on the eve of this week’s Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters presented by The Stapleford Fourm.

The 2006 Ryder Cup Captain had a quiet 2010 campaign by his own high standard, finishing 28th on the Order of Merit, but after spending the winter working on his swing and playing social golf at his home in Barbados, the Welshman is raring to go again.

Woosnam, who celebrated his 53rd birthday on Wednesday, finished tied fifth on his last appearance in the Handa Cup Senior Masters, firing a superb final round 63.

After playing in the Pro-Am at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei, he expects similar low scoring this week as he attempts to win his first Senior Tour title since the 2008 Irish Seniors Open.

“I’m feeling better than last year because I was trying to change my swing,” he said. “I’ve been playing more golf in Barbados this year, and I’ve been playing well but playing in a tournament, with a scorecard, is a little different from playing matches with your friends.

“The course was very good in the Pro-Am, it was quite soft and I think it’s going to play well. I’m expecting the scoring to be very low, with plenty of birdies to be made.

“I’ve been playing social golf in Barbados about five times per week – I’ve never played so much golf. The weather here is quite similar to Barbados – both are very hot but it is a bit more humid here – so I’m reasonably confident of doing quite well.”

Woosnam will tee it up in the first round alongside Barry Lane, winner of last year’s Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open, and Boonchu Ruangkit, the reigning Senior Tour Order of Merit champion and the defending champion.

Ruangkit defeated Frankie Minoza in a play-off 12 months ago to capture his maiden Senior Tour title and first of three consecutive victories. The Thai feels retaining the title, and the lion’s share of the US$320,000 purse, will prove an even more difficult task

“I’m not hugely confident as there are many new pros on the Tour this year,” he said. “They are strong and have a good chance to win. In myself I feel confident but I am worried about the competition.

“I think Chris Williams is one to watch this week. He has a good golf game and he’s played over here a lot so he knows the course well.”

While Ruangkit may not be overly optimistic about his own chances, 2002 Ryder Cup Captain Sam Torrance feels the player who succeeded him as Order of Merit remains the man to beat.

“I’m looking forward to playing in my first event of the year,” said Torrance. “I’m pleased about coming back to Brunei. I’m not feeling confident about winning – I’ve no idea about my form and I’ve woken up with a stiff neck today due to air conditioning so didn’t play in the Pro-Am.

“Hopefully I will be better tomorrow. Boonchu is the big favourite to win, and the winner will have to play very good golf. As well as Boonchu, Carl Mason in with a very good chance too but the weather will affect the Europeans, so it’s difficult for us.”

“I haven’t played for three months so I’ve no form. I’ve been playing at home but I’ve no tournament form.”

The Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters Entry List

O'Sullivan and Heggarty in Brunei Seniors

Denis O'Sullivan

Denis O'Sullivan and Jimmy Heggarty are the two Irish players involved in theAberdeen Brunei Senior Masters presented by The Stapleford Forum where Boonchu Ruangkit makes a sentimental return to the course which launched his all-conquering 2010 season.

The 54 year old Thai defeated Frankie Minoza of the Philippines in a play-off at the Empire Hotel and Country Club 12 months ago to claim his maiden European Senior Tour victory and spark a season to remember.

Ruangkit went on to win his next two events – in Thailand and South Africa – before adding a fourth title in the Benahavis Senior Masters to capture the Senior Tour Order of Merit, succeeding former Ryder Cup Captain Sam Torrance as winner of the John Jacobs Trophy.

As the 2011 European Senior Tour campaign resumes following a 12 week sabbatical, Ruangkit will be looking to build on his strong start to the season so far, having opened with a share of fifth place in the Handa Cup Senior Masters in Japan and a share of ninth place in the Mauritius Commercial Bank Open.

He is fourth on the Order of Merit, €23,882 behind current leader Sandy Lyle who will be hoping to build on his promising start to the 2011 campaign. 

The two-time Major Champion, who celebrated his 53rd birthday last week, finished runner up in the Handa Australian Senior Open and tied fifth in the Handa Cup Senior Masters, and he will take confidence from his share of sixth place at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in the inaugural tournament in 2009. 

Winner on that occasion was Mike Cunning, who captured the title on his Senior Tour debut. The American added a second victory to his CV by winning the OKI Castellón Senior Tour Championship last November and has a rich history of success in Asia, having won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 1997. 

Also heading to Brunei are former Ryder Cup Captains Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam, who will both be hoping to wrest the Order of Merit crown away from Ruangkit this year, having won the John Jacobs Trophy in 2009 and 2008 respectively. 

Woosnam was tied fifth in the Handa Cup Senior Masters, producing a marvellous closing round 63 which suggests he could be close to returning to his best form. 

Another former Order of Merit winner with title aspirations this week is Carl Mason, who would become the sole most prolific Senior Tour winner if he captures his 24th victory, breaking the record of 23 he currently shares with Tommy Horton.

Brand Jnr Looks to the Future

As coach to some of the brightest young players, Gordon Brand Jnr always has one eye on the future but the former Ryder Cup player is also carefully plotting his own success on the European Senior Tour.

The Scot enjoyed a superbly consistent 2010 campaign, capturing his maiden Senior Tour in the Matrix Jersey Classic and recording five other top five finishes to end the season fourth on the Order of Merit.

Brand Jnr also coaches the England Under 16 team, as well as the Gloucester and Somerset county boys, and while he feels the golfing future is in safe hands with the emerging generation, he is also eager to build on his own performances on the course.

His decision not to travel long haul anymore excluded the 52 year old from opening trio of events on the 2011 Senior Tour schedule – in Australia, Japan and Mauritius – but Brand Jnr remains hopeful of competing at the top end of the Order of Merit this season. 

“The target is to win again but I’m almost biting the hand that feeds me with the tournaments I miss,” he said.

“It is a big ask to finish any higher than I did in 2010, even one place. I’m playing a third less events than everyone else. I have to put the Order of Merit out of my head unless I come out and really dominate it. I want to enjoy my golf and try to get up there and see how good or bad I am. I’ve set my stall out with my schedule and I’m quite happy with it.

“Last year was a good season and I enjoyed it. It was nice to have the win. I had a couple of other good chances but over the year I’ve played fairly solid and had a lot of top tens.

“I played some of my best golf – certainly for the year – in Jersey to win. I really had the putter going. Anytime you win is special, especially as a professional golfer.

“It wouldn’t have been such a good year without the win – that was the icing on the cake. There was an anticipation that I should win (on the Senior Tour) so it was nice to do it. It was only my second tournament of the year so that was a lovely way to set up the rest of the year.”

An eight time champion on The European Tour and part of the European Ryder Cup Team in 1987 and 1989, Brand Jnr is one of a select group of players to make more than 500 European Tour appearances.

He joined the Senior Tour in 2008 and lost an epic six hole play-off to his namesake Gordon J Brand on his debut in The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship.

In addition to his playing accomplishments, Brand Jnr has also forged a burgeoning career in the media, as an on-course commentator, as well as continuing to nurture new talent near his home in Bristol, England.

“Commentating is a nice way of being involved in golf, like my teaching, without hitting a ball,” he said. “I also get the opportunity to watch some of the best in the world and pick up the odd tip here or there.

“The teaching is also going well. I enjoy passing on the information. We’ve got one you guy coming through called Chris Lloyd who looks very good. He’s not quite Matteo Manassero’s standards, as Manassero has obviously won on the main Tour, but Chris is 18 and certainly in the next few years he is a name to look out for. But if you watch any of the England boys and even some of the county boys, they’ve all got a real talent. It’s really for them what they do with that.

“That’s where the fall-down comes. They almost feel it is their right to wake up and shoot 65 every day. It’s the effort that has to go into that. We try to get them to understand how much work is involved. You have to treat like a job, even though it is your hobby that has turned into a job.”

Smyth Confident Ahead of New Year

After a vintage 2010 season by the Irish contingent on The European Tour, Des Smyth believes the time is now right for him to provide more reasons for the Emerald Isle to smile on the Senior Tour in 2011. 

Despite winning the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters in September, Smyth felt he only began to approach his best form towards the end of the 2010 campaign and has vowed there is more to come. 

The 57 year old from Drogheda is slowly readjusting to life back in Europe after ending a four year stint on the US Champions Tour in 2008.

With two full seasons now under his belt on the Senior Tour, Smyth feels his game is at a level where he can challenge on a weekly basis and is confident 2011 will be a “big year” for him. 

“I was delighted with my win last season of course – that made my year as wins often do – but overall I was happy as I felt I made progress, especially towards the latter end of the year,” he said. 

“I felt was really improving. I might not have reflected it with the way I scored but my game is much better now than it was two years ago and I’m fairly optimistic about next year. 

“I think next year is going to be a big year for me. I know that sounds crazy but I work on a very slow cycle. I always have done. When I went to America I played great for four years then I went on a bit of a downwards swing but I’ve worked hard on my game and it has improved tremendously. 

“I competed quite well over the final weeks of the season and that is a good sign for me. Now I feel my game has come round I just need to get the putter going. For a few years there I was playing terribly. I don’t have a coach so I just have to pick up on what people tell me. 

"I know by the way I’m hitting the ball if it is good or not. It hasn’t been good but the back end of last year was. Ironically for the win it wasn’t but a couple of weeks later it started coming around.”

Smyth, who was one of Ian Woosnam’s Vice Captains at The 2006 Ryder Cup, still holds the record as the oldest winner on The European Tour after winning the Madeira Island Open in 2001 at the age of 48 years and 34 days. 

His victory at Woburn in September meant he has won a tournament in each of the past five decades, having collected his first title in the European Match Play Championship in 1979. 

With the scent of victory still fresh from his Travis Perkins plc Masters triumph, Smyth believes his form is on an upward trajectory following a dip towards the end of his stint on the US Champions Tour. 

“I did have a little period of adjustment coming back from America,” he admitted. “I played for four and a half years out there and then my game went downhill so I struggled. Even in 2009 I didn’t play well on the Senior Tour. 

“It is all to do with the way I’m feeling about my game. If I feel good I feel I can do really well but if my game is not there I’m fighting an uphill battle because the standard is very high. You can’t go out and shoot 71 and expect to do any good. Next year will be good though – I’m happy with my progress.”

Frost Takes Charge in Mauritius

Denis O’Sullivan completed day two in three under par at the Mauritius Commercial Bank Open on Saturday to finish in a share of 23rd place after carding a round of 69 at the Legends Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage signing for a one under par total. 

Jimmy Heggarty opened his round with an eagle two on the par four first and completed his round in two under par 70 to finish one over par for the tournament. 

David Frost’s of South African took control of the tournament and set up a potentially perfect ending to a sensational first season in the Senior ranks after starting the day three strokes behind overnight leader Gary Wolstenholme. 

But a masterful display of shot-making around the testing Legends Course t saw him produce a ten birdies and two bogeys in a sparkling eight under 64, he finished the second round two shots clear of Wolstenholme. 

Having won on the Champions Tour in America and finished second in the US Senior PGA Championship, Frost is now poised to make his victory breakthrough on the European Senior Tour if he can hold off Wolstenholme and a chasing pack that includes the English duo of Roger Chapman and Barry Lane. 

The South African is lying on ten under par 134, with Wolstenholme two shots back and Chapman four off the pace. Lane is joined by Argentina’s Adan Sowa on four under, with Frenchman Marc Farry and the South African duo of Bertus Smit and Steve Van Vuuren 

“I played great today,” said Frost. “I hit the ball very well and hit it in pretty close for a few nice short birdie putts. It was one of those days when the main thing I had to focus on was the mental approach – staying out of my own way mentally and continuing to commit to my shots and my lines because I was striking the ball so well. 

“It would be great to win tomorrow – it would be a very nice way to end what has already been a great season for me with winning in America and finishing second in a Major. It has been good 

to do so well in my first full year on the Senior Tour and I have definitely rediscovered my game and my desire to win after thinking that I was finished a few years ago.

Mauritius Bank Open leader board

Wolstenholme Leads in Mauritius

Denis O’Sullivan signed for a two over par first round at the Mauritius Commercial Bank Open to lead the Irish challenge but trails the leader by seven strokes at the Legends Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage Resort 

Jimmy Heggarty, the second Irish player, was one shot further adrift following a round of 75. 

Gary Wolstenholme produced four birdies on the spin to charge into a one stroke lead over David Merriman and Sam Torrance with the new Senior Tour graduate fast becoming a dominant force - having won once and registered two third place finishes in just eight appearances since joining the Tour.

“I am really pleased with that,” said Wolstenholme.”I actually felt that the round was getting away from me because I had made such a strong start and then got a little careless in the middle of the round. But just as I was thinking that I managed to refocus and finished with four birdies in a row which is a very good return considering the difficulty of this golf course.” 

Wolstenholme turned professional earlier this year after a decorated amateur career during which he became England’s most capped player and he has taken to the professional game with aplomb. 

“I am really looking forward to this new season, it is a very exciting time for me and my career. I look at the schedule for next year and then also hear of where we could be potentially playing and it is just a great opportunity for myself and the rest of the Senior Tour guys to play golf in some fantastic destinations. 

“I am playing well but I don’t really set my expectations too high in respect of the year ahead – I am not really a goal-setter, I just hope to stay fit and well and try to enjoy this new adventure that I am on. If I do that then I am sure I can get a few good results along the way.” 

Merriman will have pleased his growing fan base on Facebook with a strong start to the week with five birdies and just the one dropped shot. 

He said: “I missed a few short birdie putts early in the round and was starting to think that it was going to be one of those days and all of a sudden I started holing a few and picked up a few shots and I was off and running. 

“It was satisfying to make the putts because I have been putting pretty well recently and have managed to get myself into that place where you believe that you can hole every putt you look at. You don’t get that too often when you are playing golf so to have that little extra layer of confidence really gives you an edge.” 

Merriman drew inspiration from an article he read on the plane on his flight over to the honeymoon island of Mauritius. 

“I coach myself which is great when things are going well but you do get moments when you can lose a few things in the swing and you just have to hit the range and pump the range balls until you find something. 

“I actually took a little bit of inspiration from an article I was reading on the plane over here. It was a Tom Watson interview and there was a quote that really stuck in my mind. He said: ‘Sometimes you just have to stay on the range ‘till you find it...’ That really struck a chord with me and you just have to look at Tom’s swing to know that he still puts the work in – no matter who you are you still have to work at it if you want to compete.”

Torrance is also right in the hunt after a four under par 68, picking up four shots in his last five holes. 

“The finish was very satisfying – to make those birdies coming home was a nice way to finish the round because I really played beautifully today,” said the Scot. 

“I have been playing well for the last few tournaments now, and the game has been getting better and better over the last couple of months so it is definitely on the way back. 

“Mauritius is a beautiful place and I always enjoy coming here. It might be a bit hot for golf at some points – it was extremely humid today – but you just have to look around to see the natural beauty of the place.”

O'Sullivan and Heggarty in Mauritius

Denis O'Sullivan and Jimmy Heggarty are the two Irish entries at the Mauritius Commercial Bank Open this week at  the Constance Belle Mare Plage where Kevin Spurgeon of ERngland will be defending   his best result on the European Senior Tour - having won the title last year.

Spurgeon fulfilled a personal dream 12 months ago when he held off former Ryder Cup players Gordon J Brand and Sam Torrance to win his maiden professional title on the honeymoon island.

That victory, in the event which launched the 2010 season, helped the 55 year old finish 26th on the Order of Merit – his best campaign since his rookie year in 2005 - having only secured his card through the Qualifying School the previous month.

Now Spurgeon returns to host venue Constance Belle Mare Plage with nothing but happy memories of his triumph, which was built on a second round 67 over the tricky Legend Course.

“I’m really looking forward to going back,” he said. “It’s the first time I have had to defend a big title on the Senior Tour but I’m not really nervous. I’ve been playing well so I’m looking forward to it.

“Last year felt awesome to win. It ticked the box that I had wanted to tick for nearly six years. It was great to win the first event of last season – I was top of the Order of Merit for about three months! That was a bonus – I ticked that box as well!”

Trying to succeed Spurgeon as champion will be former Ryder Cup Captain Torrance, who finished in a share of third place with Angel Franco 12 months ago. Torrance, who is seeking to regain the John Jacobs Trophy he won as leading Senior Tour player in 2009, was one of the first players to congratulate the Englishman on his maiden triumph.

“Sam was over the moon for me,” said Spurgeon. “He was one of the first people to come and say well done and he stayed with me after I finished and had some beers and champagne. It was a nice moment.

“I felt like I was playing fairly well last year and I did play well in the tournament. I’ve played the course a lot and I knew it was a hard course. My second round set me up really. I shot five under. It’s a tough course but I kept it in play. The last day was a bit harder obviously when I was under pressure but I played solid.” 

The man who replaced Torrance as Number One, Thailand’s Boonchu Ruangkit, is also in the field and will start among the favourites given his formidable form in hot conditions, which are virtually guaranteed in Mauritius.

Ruangkit won four times in 2010, in Brunei, Thailand, South Africa and Spain and has already made a strong start to the defence of his Order of Merit crown, finishing in a share of fifth place in the Handa Cup Senior Masters in Japan.

Scotland’s Andrew Oldcorn, who was also tied fifth in Japan, continues his pursuit of a maiden Senior Tour title, and is joined by former Ryder Cup player Barry Lane, who finished ninth.

Frenchman Marc Farry, who helped attract the Senior Tour to Mauritius, will be hoping for success at the venue he is attached to after capturing one of his two titles in 2010 in the Cannes Mougins Masters, an event he also helped organise.

South African David Frost, who lost in a play-off to Tom Lehman in last year’s US Senior PGA Championship, returns to Senior Tour action in the event he made his debut in last season, finishing tied fifth.

Smyth Trails Japanese Leaders

Des Smyth reached the turn in 33 shots on day three of the Handa Cup at Ohmurasaki Golf Club, Saitama, only to card a 37 on the back nine ending the day with a two under par 70 – for a share of 22nd place – and well off the pace. 

Frankie Minoza of the Philippines and Satoshi Higashi of Japan take a two stroke lead into the final round with double Major Champion Sandy Lyle among those chasing in Japan on 12 under after Minoza shot a second round 68 with Higashi joining him at the top of the leader broad with a 67. 

Scotland’s Lyle compiled his third successive round in the 60’s, the former Masters and Open Champion signed for a 69 to lie at ten under par alongside Japan’s Kiyoshi Murota and Masahiro Kuramoto. 

Overnight joint leader Andrew Oldcorn, also of Scotland, carded a 71 to lie in sixth place on 207, just three strokes off the pace. 

Higashi, who chipped in on the ninth for an eagle, played with Lyle and defending champion Ian Woosnam in the 1996 Masters Tournament at Augusta National and said: “I really want to win, by mostly I want to enjoy tomorrow. 

“I played with Woosnam and Lyle in 1996 at the Masters, and it is a great honour to play with them this week here in Japan. We have many good and strong players here.” 

Lyle, runner-up last week in Perth, birdied the 18th to keep himself in the frame for a maiden Senior Tour title. 

“It’s been a long time since I won in Japan, or on any tour for that matter,” said Lyle. “My last few seasons haven’t been great by my standards. Last week I finished second in Perth which was my best finish for a while, but I would like to improve this with a victory this week. Last week I was close, this week I am close again.” 

Oldcorn, who went out of bounds on the 16th on his way to running up a bogey, was impressed with playing partner Minoza’s performance. 

Denis O’Sullivan failed to make the cut on Friday on 5 over par.

No Progress for Smyth at Handa

Des Smyth remains one under par on day two of the Handa Cup at Ohmurasaki Golf Club, Saitama to drop to 31st place along with Wayne Grady of Australia and Kevin Spurgeon of England. 

Andrew Oldcorn post a seond round of 66 to move into a share of the lead with Frankie Minoza of the Philippines after four birdies and two dropped shots took the Scot to eight under par 136 on the Senior Tour’s first visit to Japan. 

Double Major Champion and fellow Scot Sandy Lyle, Frenchman Marc Farry and Japan’s Satoshi Kigashi are tied on seven under par, one behind the leaders. 

“It’s always nice to see your name at the top of the leader board, but there’s still a long way to go,” said Oldcorn, winner of the PGA Championship, European Tour’s flagship event in 2001. 

“This course probably doesn’t suit me, it favours a bigger hitter,” he added. “But the big difference today was that I started to hole some puts. Last week in Australia my putting was poor but today I forgot about the mechanics of the stroke. It just worked today. 

“I’ve been struggling with a head cold, and I’m pretty tired given the lack of sleep so that was a super human effort on my part. Generally though I’m delighted with my round, it’s a great way of celebrating my 11th wedding anniversary.” 

Minoza made no mistakes in a flawless six birdie round to sit alongside Oldcorn after two rounds. 

Lyle, runner-up last week in the Handa Australian Senior Open, added a 69 to his opening 68 to lie on seven under par 137. Farry, who also enjoyed a good week last week in taking fourth place in Perth, shot a one under par 71 while Higashi carded a 68. 

Farry recovered from a double bogey on the second, where he hooked his tee shot, with a strong back nine and birdie on the last hole. 

Defending champion Ian Woosnam, no stranger to Japan, three putted the last to finish at five under par but lies only three strokes off the lead heading into the weekend. Barry Lane finished on the same mark after also suffering misfortune on the last when he hit his approach into the water. 

Denis O’Sullivan signed for a round of 73 to finish 6 over par on day two.

Smyth 24th in Japan - Day One

Des Smyth carded a one under par round on day one at the Handa Cup Senior Masters at Ohmurasaki Golf Club in Saitama for a share of 24th place.

Frenchman Marc Farry produced a flawless six under par 66 to share the first round lead with Japan’s Katsuyoshi Tomori.

Farry made six birdies before Tomori birdied the last three holes at Ohmurasaki Golf Club, Saitama, on the European Senior Tour’s first visit to Japan to join him at the top of the leader board.

England’s Barry Lane is one of three players on five under par alongside Japan’s Hiroshi Ueda and Sieki Okuda while Sandy Lyle of Scotland and England's Gordon J Brand and Mark Belsham share sixth place a shot further back after four under par rounds of 68.

Farry’s first Senior Tour title earlier this year was also title sponsored by Dr Handa – the Handa Irish Senior Open presented by Failte Ireland – before he added the Cannes Mougins Masters to his resumé.

He is now in the frame for a third title of the year.

“This is the sort of round you dream of, no bogeys, six birdies, 12 pars,” said the 51 year old. “I was in good form throughout the round. I wish it could be like that every round.”

Last week he finished fourth in the Handa Australian Senior Open and has carried the form to Japan.

“Perth last week was more difficult in the heat but it was good preparation for this, my second visit to Japan. Perth has given me some momentum here.”

As for the Tour’s first visit to Japan, Farry added: “The European Senior Tour is more like a world Tour now. Like the mainstream Tour we go all around the world. It is fantastic the Japan PGA has welcomed us here.”

Tomori made history as the first Japanese golfer to progress through the European Tour Qualifying School in 1996. Ten years later, as a senior, he won the 2006 Scandinavian Senior Open to become only the fourth Japanese golfer to win on the Senior Tour and is in a good position on home soil.

Lane, whose round included an eagle two on the fifth hole, was clearly enjoying his trip to the land of the rising sun.

“It’s great to be back in Japan,” said the winner of five European Tour titles in addition to one on the Senior Tour. “I’ve been here a number of times in the nineties but it’s great that the Senior Tour is here for the first time.

“The greens here are so big but you still have to be hit the right places to be successful here. To shoot 67 with 37 putts is pretty good going though. 

“I’ve been struggling with my putting recently. I was using the long putter but changed back to the short putter yesterday, so I’m back on the putting green this afternoon to keep practicing.”

Lyle suffered a rib injury last week in Australia and feared he would have to pull out of the event in Japan but the ribcage felt good enough to play and the result was certainly better than expected.

“Well that was a pretty good round all things considering,” said the former Open and Masters Champion. “My goal today was really to survive, I’m just happy to be below par. 

“If you play the par fives strongly you should do well on this course. It’s in great condition, there’s no wind, but the large greens do take a while to adjust to.”

Belsham got his Senior Tour card through last year’s Qualifying School and has adjusted well to life as a Touring professional after 15 years teaching at the Stonelees Golf Centre.

Denis O'Sullivan signed for a 77 to finish 5 over par.

Woosie Chasing Handa Cup

Des Smyth, Jimmy Hegarty and Dens O’Sullivan start their 2011 European Senior Tour campaigns this week in Saitama, Japan, when they play the Handa Cup Senior Masters at Ohmurasaki Golf Club. 

Defending champion Ian Woosnam is hoping to end the year with a flourish in the Handa Cup Senior Masters. 

The 1990 Masters Champion has endured a frustrating year by his own high standard, finishing 28th on the European Senior Tour Order of Merit, but he is hopeful a return to form could be on the horizon when the Senior Tour makes its inaugural visit to Japan. 

Welshman Woosnam, the 2006 Ryder Cup Captain, captured his last title in this event 12 months ago and he is targeting his first successful defence as a senior golfer at Ohmurasaki Golf Club, in Saitama. 

The lucrative tournament is part of the European Senior Tour Schedule for the first time and completes an ISPS Handa sponsored double-header to launch the 2011 season, following the Handa Australian Senior Open last week. 

With a prize fund of JPY120,000,000 (approx €1million) on offer, Woosnam is hoping to rediscover the winning habit as he aims to regain the John Jacobs Trophy he captured for winning the Senior Tour Order of Merit in 2008. 

“It’s a different course and hopefully we will have better weather but I’d like the result to be the same,” said Woosnam. “I’ve not been playing well this year but I’ve worked hard in recent weeks and there are some signs of it coming together. I think it’s great that this Japanese event is part of the Senior Tour this year. 

“As we did on The European Tour a few years ago, it’s good for the Senior Tour to have these co-sanctioned events in different place around the world. I love Japan. I really like Japanese food and the people are so gracious.” 

Woosnam, who made a solid start to the 2011 season with a share of 12th place in the Handa Australian Senior Open, is joined by 30 of the leading Senior Tour players in the event, which is co-sanctioned with the Japan PGA Senior Tour. 

Sam Torrance, Europe’s 2002 Ryder Cup Captain, continues his quest to regain the John Jacobs Trophy he won in 2009, alongside fellow Scot Sandy Lyle, the two-time Major Champion who is still searching for his maiden Senior Tour title. 

Lyle came close to making that breakthrough at the Royal Perth Golf Club last week, finishing second to Australia’s Peter Senior. 

The Scot will now look to overtake Senior on the 2011 Order of Merit with a strong title challenge in Japan. 

There are eight winners from the 2010 Senior Tour season in the field: Marc Farry, Barry Lane, Bill Longmuir, David J Russell, George Ryall, Des Smyth, Kevin Spurgeon and Gary Wolstenholme. 

One notable absentee in Japan this week will be Europe’s most prolific Major Champion, Sir Nick Faldo. The Englishman has been forced to withdraw from the event after a recurrence of the tendonitis that forced him to withdraw from the Senior Open Championship earlier this season. 

ISPS has an ongoing relationship with Faldo and his golf development programme, the Faldo Series Asia. Earlier in 2010 ISPS signed a three year agreement with the Faldo Series Asia to help support golf at the grassroots level and nurture the potential stars of the future. 

“I am really disappointed that I am unable to attend the Handa Cup Senior Masters in Japan,” said Faldo. “I would like to thank Dr Handa for inviting me to this tournament and for his continued support of the Faldo Series Asia.”

Senior Secures Home Open

Peter Senior secured the Handa Australian Senior Open title with a comfortable three-stroke win at the Royal Perth Golf Club. 

Senior completed a wire-to-wire victory, compiling rounds of 65-70-72 to post a nine under par winning score to take the €54,498 first prize, three shots ahead of Sandy Lyle and four clear of Gary Wolstenholme at the first event of the 2011 European Senior Tour season. 

Senior, who narrowly missed out in a play-off to fellow Australian, Michael Harwood, last year was delighted to finally get his hands on the Handa Australian Senior Open trophy. 

He said: “It’s been a great week. The course was sensational and it’s been great to see the European boys out this week. 

“I would have liked to have played a little bit better coming down the stretch. I think I played a little bit safe, which is why I made a few mistakes, but nobody really came after me. 

“I’m really happy to finish on top, especially after what happened last year, when I let a lot of guys in. To win golf tournaments whether it’s Senior or the main Tour you’ve still got to play well to win. It still feels great winning tournaments.” 

Former Masters and Open Champion Lyle fought off Wolstenholme to secure second place on his own with a final round of 69 to the Englishman’s 70. 

“I’ve really enjoyed playing here. Royal Perth is a real gem of a course. Dr Handa has done a wonderful job with the European Senior Tour worldwide. Although it will be a lot cooler I’m looking forward to Japan next week.” 

Defending champion Harwood shared fourth place on four under with Frenchman Marc Farry, while Peter Fowler, DJ Russell, Chris Williams, Rodger Davis and Bill Longmuir tied for sixth on three under. 

The European Senior Tour now heads to the Handa Cup Senior Masters in Japan, where the field competes alongside the JPGA seniors the 120 million Yen prize fund at Ohmurasaki Golf Club Saitama.

Handa Australia Senior Open Results

Senior in Command in Australia

Peter Senior has cemented his position at the top of the leaderboard at the Handa Australian Senior Open at Royal Perth Golf Club by taking a three stroke lead into the final round.

A significantly cooler temperature greeted players at Royal Perth in the morning of round two which continued throughout the day, making the conditions more conducive to lower scores. But the narrow fairways and tricky greens held much of the field back from overtaking Senior at the top on the leaderboard.

Senior is anxious to make amends to his finish at the 2009 Handa Australian Senior Open where he started the final round four shots ahead of the pack but came unstuck on the back nine and saw the trophy handed over to Mike Harwood after a three way play off.

Senior posted a solid second round score of 70 to put himself three shots ahead of local compatriot Peter Fowler, who struggled to find consistency at the end of his round with three late bogeys. Senior’s lead could have easily have been a lot more however, with two bogeys himself on 15 and 16 he settled for the two-under par round at the close of business.

“I could have been a bit better,” said Senior. “Three shots could easily have been half a dozen which would have been more relaxing for me. I’ve still got to come out and play good golf tomorrow.”

“I’ve hit the ball well and driven well which always gives me chances. The course is good so it will be a nice challenge tomorrow. I’ll try to do the same as what I’ve done today, hitting the driver most holes like I have and just trust what I’ve been doing.

“We’ve had a good crowd this afternoon, it’s always nice to see people come out. The guys are still capable of playing some good golf and hopefully we’ll show some.”

Although firm favourite to take the Handa Senior Australian Open title, Senior is by no means out of reach of Fowler, nor the four European players tied for third on three under.

Scotland’s Sandy Lyle, England’s DJ Russell and Gary Wolstenhome, and Frenchman Marc Farry, a dual winner on the European Senior Tour this year, all posted exciting sub par rounds. Meanwhile yesterday’s top European, Kevin Surgeon struggled to progress making 73 and now stands at one over par.

DJ Russell eagled the final hole to shoot 69 alongside Marc Farry, while Gary Wolstenhome together with Australia’s Gregory Engall and Roger Davis equalled Sandy Lyle’s 68, which was the best score for the day at four under.

Although posting a good score, two times Major Champion Lyle battled to find consistency throughout his round, following up an eagle on the third with a bogey.

"The highlight was on the third I hit a real good drive, then from 190 yards with a seven-iron to about 15 feet and a good solid putt right in the middle of the hole it doesn't get any better than that," he said. “But then I come out to bat on the next hole and made a bogey.

"I've generally been wasting four or five shots a round; a double-bogey here, a three-putt there and nearly five bogeys every round I play and I’m still going around in 73 or so. I just can't seem to get it all together, as they say. Even today I've had two bogeys and that double in a 68."

"But I'm encouraged today because I haven't played any golf at all for five weeks in terrible weather at home in Scotland. When I saw the tightness of this course, I didn't fancy my chances, but I've been keeping the ball in play with my irons and scrambling a little."

Senior debutant Ian Baker-Finch finished with 71, a round that included a penalty for an unplayable lie when his drive remained lodged in a tree on the par-five 18th, leaving him at one under for the tournament.

Michael C Egan misses the cut after a second round of 92.

Handa Australian Senior Open Leader board

Senior Leads Handa Open

Peter Senior has stamped his mark on the Handa Australian Senior Open, firing a brilliant opening seven under par 65 at Royal Perth Golf Club in Western Australia. 

In stifling conditions with the temperature reaching 39 degrees in Perth, the Queenslander hit an extraordinary 17 of 18 greens in regulation and finished without a bogey for a two-shot lead over fellow Australian Peter Fowler. 

The Senior rookie made a birdie to begin his round on the reachable par-five ninth hole before Perth's searing heat took hold. 

But while others came and went in the oppressive conditions, the 19-time winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia simply ploughed on through the tough back nine. 

He then cashed in with three more birdies in his closing six holes, including a four foot putt on his last, the eighth, in front of an appreciative gallery. 

A clear sign of how first-class his score was came when only two other sub-par rounds were posted in the morning. These came from evergreen Victorian Mike Clayton and Kiwi Craig Owen, both of whom signed for 71. 

“Any time you shoot that kind of score you’re going to be pleased,” said Senior. 

“The greens are going to get quicker. You can’t expect to hole everything on these greens. 

The guys out there can play so I’m not going to take anything for granted. I was disappointed last year as I played well until the final six holes. Hopefully I’ll do a little better this year.” 

Hot on Senior’s tail from the afternoon groups was Peter “Chooky” Fowler. Fowler finished his blitzing round with a crowd-pleasing birdie on the eighteenth hole to sign for a 5-under 67. 

“I’ve never played this course. It’s a very, very good course in fantastic condition,” said Fowler. 

“It’s not the longest course in the world but it’s pretty demanding around the green, well maintained – the best I’ve seen for a long time. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. 

“It’s my first senior tournament in Australia. I’ve seen some guys I haven’t seen for a while so it’s good fun.” 

Of the other big names from the European field, Welsh Major Winner Ian Woosnam appeared out of sorts but mixed five birdies with five bogeys for an even par 72, while jovial Scot and past Ryder Cup Champion Sam Torrance fired a 73. The leading player from Europe was Englishmen Kevin Spurgeon, who finished on one under alongside five Australians. 

“It was pretty hot, but we had some cloud cover this afternoon. I quite like the heat but it does drain you”, said Spurgeon. 

“I’m enjoying the course. I think it’s a great golf course. The fairways are tight and the greens put well. You’ve just got to keep out of the trees. The whole thing is set up really well. 

“It’s my first visit to Australia and I’m loving every minute of it.” 

Michael Egan carded a round of 91 to finish 19 over par after day one.

Amateur Errity Earns Senior Card

Irish Amateur Pat Errity of The European club secured one of the six places at the European Senior Tour Qualifying School Final Stage in Portugal on Thursday earning playing rights for the 2011 season finishing in a tie for second - five shots behind American Tim Thelen - after carding a five under par final round of 66. 

”I’m delighted to get my card as it has been a target of mine for a few years now,” said Errity. “I hit the ball out of bounds on the eighth hole but then holed from 140 yards with my next shot. The crowd thought it was an eagle! That kept my round going and I played well after that.” 

Pat Errity, who will turn professional before he joins the Senior Tour in March when he celebrates his 50 birthday. Errity carded a flawless five under par 66 to finish in second place, following a final round card play-off. 

Thelen fired a closing round 65 to lead the 16 graduates who gained cards for the 2011 European Senior Tour on a nerve-filled final day at Qualifying School Final Stage an impressive five strokes clear of Errity and Swede Peter Dahlberg. 

The 49 year old, who will become eligible to join the Senior Tour when he turns 50 next June, started the two strokes behind Austrian Gordon Manson but produced a superb front nine to put daylight between himself and the rest of the field. 

He reached the turn at Pestana Golf Resort’s Vale da Pinta in just 29 shots after birdies on the second, seventh and ninth and an eagle on the par four eighth, when he holed his eight second shot from 149 yards. 

Further birdies on the tenth and 12th followed before he three putted the 14th for his only bogey of the day. 

By that time he had already opened up a seemingly unassailable advantage at the top of the leader board and the man from Texas came home with four consecutive pars to secure his card for 2011. 

Thelen, who had led the qualifiers from First Stage at Gramacho, gains full playing rights along with Errity, Dahlberg, Chilean Angel Fernandez, Scotland’s Fraser Mann and Spaniard Manuel Moreno. 

“It means everything to me to secure my card and get on the Senior Tour,” said Thelen. “It is what I came over to achieve and it went so well these last two weeks. 

“I found something on the range last night and this morning. I think I’d started overturning on the backswing so I stopped that. 

“I got off to a great start today and then after the run I had from seven to ten I just tried to coast it in and get back to the clubhouse. It was my wife Lucinda’s birthday yesterday so this is a nice present for her.” 

PGA Club professional Thelen, who was a former college friend of European Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie in, was inspired to join the Senior Tour by another friend, compatriot Bob Boyd who has been a member since 2005. 

“Bob has really enjoyed himself on the Senior Tour over the past five years and I wanted to give a go myself,” he said. “I spoke to him after First Stage and he said that I was good enough to get through Final Stage and it’s great to have done that. Hopefully I can come over here after my birthday in June then retain my card and play on the Senior Tour for as long as I can.” 

With neither Thelen nor Dahlberg turning 50 until the New Year, Dahlberg assumes the mantle of leading qualifier, improving on last year when he could only secure an alternate card in 18th place. 

Dahlberg, who recorded two top 20s on the Senior Tour in 2010 in Mauritius and the Czech Republic, signed for a final round 68 and believes his full playing rights will help him produce even better results in 2011. 

“From the beginning I knew I had it in me and I just stayed calm,” said the 56 year old. “It’s such an ordeal – it’s not like a normal tournament so I’m pleased with the way I handled it. 

“I actually missed a short putt for birdie on the first and then my ball was stuck up a tree on the second but I said to myself ‘move forward’ and I did it.” 

While the leading six players gain full cards for 72 player events for 2011, a further ten players secured alternate cards in category nine. 

In order, they were: American Jeb Stuart, South African Steve Van Vuuren, Australian Graham Banister, Austrian Gordon Manson, American Joe Stansberry, Englishman Brian Evans, French pair Jean Pierre Sallat and François Illouz, Scotland’s Terry Burgoyne and Northern Ireland’s Jimmy Heggarty.

Final Qualifying Stage Results

Four Major Winners in Handa Open

Western Australia will play host to a historic occasion this week as four Major winners ascend on Royal Perth Golf Club for the Handa Australian Senior Open. 

Headlining the field will be 1991 Open Champion Ian Baker-Finch who makes his debut as a senior golfer in Perth. 

“It’s great to be here, I won my first tournament in Australia at the 1984 Western Australian Open, so I’ve got very fond memories of Royal Perth. I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time”, said Baker-Finch. 

“There is going to be some good golf this week from some great players. The standard across the field this week is far superior than last week in Melbourne. You have more Major champions and tournament winners here in Perth – we have Masters Champions, Open Champions, PGA Champions and Ryder Cup Captains. There is certainly a lot of competition and great players. 

“But I’m not expecting too much. I’m not a regular on the Tour and will only play occasionally. To pretend to be able to compete with some of these guys would be unfair and unrealistic.” 

Joining Baker-Finch will be fellow Australian 1990 US PGA Champion Wayne Grady, who won the Handa Australian Senior Open title in consecutive years at Concord Golf Club in 2007 and 2008, and defending champion Mike Harwood. 

“We spend a long time away but it’s great being back in Australia. I love being home and it’s fantastic to be back playing at Royal Perth as defending champion. The course looks even better than last year and I’m really looking forward to this year’s competition”, said Harwood. 

With the co-sanction agreement between the European Senior Tour and PGA of Australia, these Australian legends will be joined by 1992 US Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, 1988 US Masters Champion Sandy Lyle, and former Ryder Cup Captain Sam Torrance as the headline names from Europe. 

“I’ve always enjoyed playing in Australia,” said Torrance. “The Senior Tour is just like the main Tour now – we travel around the world. It’s building every year and with great players joining it’s gone from strength to strength. We are all mates on the Tour and always have been, but we’re still competitive.” 

Talking further about the role of the Dr Handa, Chairman of ISPS and the efforts to promote blind golf, Torrance added: “Dr Handa has been a wonderful addition to the Tour. Dr Handa is a great man who does so much good around the world. Golf is a wonderful sport for blind people to play.” 

The Handa Australian Senior Open will be played at Royal Perth Golf Club from 19-21 November 2010. This is the second year the tournament will be hosted by Royal Perth Golf Club after an exciting finish to the 2009 event that went down to the wire in a sudden death 3 way play-off between eventual winner Mike Harwood, Michael Clayton and Peter Senior. 

Entry to event is by gold coin donation with all proceeds going to support blind golf in Western Australia. 

Michael C. Egan of Battle Golf Club the only Irish entry and plays in Perth after European Senior Tour Qualifying School in Portugal last week, where he missed the cut for the final stage, which is being completed this week.

Ian Baker-Finch Plays Perth

Ian Baker-Finch celebrated his ‘coming of age’ officially when he became a senior golfer on his 50th birthday on October 24 and this week - at the Handa Australian Senior Open - he plays in the first event of the 2011 European Senior Tour season. 

Baker-Finch is feeling positive about his return to competitive action at Royal Perth Golf Club having spent the past 15 years forging a career in TV commentating and golf course design. 

“I’m really looking forward to going back to Perth and playing Royal Perth Golf Club, where I won the WA Open in 1984,” said Baker-Finch. “All the guys who played the 2009 tournament raved about the quality of the course, so I’m really looking forward to getting back there and playing it again 26 years on.” 

Whilst relishing the prospect of making his Senior Tour debut at the Handa Australian Senior Open, Baker-Finch also acknowledged the threat posed by other players in the field who still earn a living playing full-time on the Tour. 

The Queenslander, who won The Open Championship in 1991, said: “It’s crazy to think I could play as well as guys like Peter Senior, Mike Harwood or Ian Woosnam, who still play golf full time. But I want to be competitive, and will be going out there to win. I will continue being a commentator for 25 weeks of the year and work on my golf course design, but I’ll try to play half a dozen senior tournaments as well for the next few years.” 

Baker-Finch will be joined in Perth by Wayne Grady, Peter Senior and local favourite Terry Gale, as well as Ian Woosnam of Wales, who last played in Perth at the 2002 Johnnie Walker Classic at Lake Karrinyup Country Club. 

“I have really fond memories of Perth and have always played reasonably well there, so I’m looking forward to experiencing some warm weather and getting my game back into some sort of form,” said Woosnam. 

The Welshman admitted this season hadn’t been one of his best, but he is looking forward to ending the calendar year on a high by making a strong start to next season. 

He said: “I played in Cannes a few weeks ago, but didn’t play very well. I haven’t been practicing hard enough to be honest, but I’ve now got a fortnight to work on my game before playing the Senior Tour Championship, and then heading to Australia. So hopefully I can finish the year off strongly.” 

Together with the Scottish duo of Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance, Woosnam and Baker-Finch are both global ambassadors for Dr Handa’s organisation the International Sports Promotion Society (ISPS), which aims to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds into the game. 

ISPS has a long-standing commitment to raise the profile of blind golf, and also to foster opportunities for people with disabilities to take up the sport.