Senior Open Champion Paul Broadhurst says that the thought of not defending his Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open title never crossed his mind as he prepares to return to Archerfield Links Golf Club, from August 19-21.
Broadhurst secured a famous victory at the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex in what was his debut appearance at the event, winning by two shots from American Scott McCarron.
The 50 year old made his European Senior Tour debut at Archerfield last season, and became just the tenth player on the over-50s circuit to win on their first appearance, defeating Austrian Gordon Manson in a two-hole play-off.
“You have to defend your titles,” said Broadhurst. “There are some people telling me that they can’t believe I’m playing in Scotland. But I don’t see why winning the Senior Open should change that.
“It’s a superb setup at Archerfield, it’s a great course and the staff always make you feel welcome.
“I’m always staggered by the greens, it’s tough to get the better of them, and there are some strong par fours too. DJ [Russell] did a great job when he designed the course.
“I’ve had some good times up there, and it was great to win a play-off last time I was there. My record in them has been absolutely shocking in the past – I had four defeats from four before that.
“I’m not a play-off expert, but that was probably the most relaxed I’ve ever been in a play-off. Last year, the nerves just weren’t there.”
The Scottish Senior Open will be the first tournament on the Senior Tour that Broadhurst will return to as defending champion, and he says he won’t allow the weight of expectation to get the better of him.
“It’ll be great to go back as defending champion,” he said. “I always enjoy playing the course, and it played really tough last year.
“The expectation level is perhaps there because you’ve been there before and won. So it’s up to me to not let that become a factor.”
