SENIOR OPEN
WITH The Senior Open Championship just a month away, Royal Porthcawl are confident another feast of golf will unfold, writes Tony Poole.
It’s the second time in three years for the Lock’s Common club to host the event, and once more a galaxy of stars are waiting to tee it up on the famous old course.
The 2014 tournament winner at Royal Porthcawl, German Bernhard Langer, is returning and will face Englishman Paul Broadhurst, who won the event last year at Carnoustie in Scotland.
The American challenge will be headed by fans favourites in Tom Watson, John Daly, Fred Couples and Steve Stricker.
Besides Broadhurst and Langer, the main European challenge is expected to come from 2014 Royal Porthcawl runner-up Colin Montgomerie, Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez and Irishman Paul McGinley.
Nearer to home, there’s strong Welsh representation via former Ryder Cup star Phil Price, Stephen Dodd and Mark Mouland.
Three years ago Langer took the Championship by 13 shots, and its been compared to Tiger Woods when he lifted the US Open at Pebble Beach in 2000 by a record-setting 15 shots.
Montgomerie went on to describe the Langer triumph as the best performance of golf in 2014.
“The only shame was the world’s top-50 golfers weren’t in attendance, as I honestly believe he would have beaten them all.
“What he did at Royal Porthcawl in 2014 was absolutely amazing.’’
So, the scene is set for more exhilarating golf at Royal Porthcawl.
The world’s best golfers over the age of 50 will start teeing it up on July 27 with the final round on July 30 (Sunday).
Ticket information via: www.senioropenchampionship.com
Meanwhile, volunteers are being sought for various duties on the four days of the championship.
In return, tournament accreditation will be handed out; refreshments will be made available along with a voucher to play Royal Porthcawl at a suitable time later in the year.
For further details contact: gswallage@yahoo. co.uk
And Southerndown are also looking for members to perform marshalling duties and man the scoreboard during the Senior Open Championship qualifying rounds on July 24.
The same professionalism that Southerndown display during the annual Duncan Putter competition is being called for.
The Tour is offering a refreshment voucher to all those volunteering on the day, and further details are on the clubhouse notice board.