The European Senior Tour will return to The Netherlands for a fifth consecutive year when the Dutch Senior Open is played at The International, near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, from October 10-12, 2014.
The event has been added to the 2014 European Senior Tour schedule following an agreement with TIG Sports, which also promotes the KLM Open and the Deloitte Ladies Open, while Rabobank, Achmea and the Dutch Golf Federation have also extended their support.
Last year Englishman Simon P Brown captured the title at The International, finishing two shots clear of Scotland’s Ross Drummond after the tournament was reduced to 36 holes following adverse weather.
Brown added the title to the Russian Open Golf Championship (Senior) crown he won the previous month, and he went on to finish his rookie campaign in third position on the Senior Tour Order of Merit, behind John Jacobs Trophy winner Paul Wesselingh and Denmark’s Steen Tinning.
Designed by Ian Woosnam, the former Masters Champion and Ryder Cup captain, The International hosted the tournament for the first time following three years at The Royal Haagsche G&CC.
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the Dutch Senior Open as part of our 2014 schedule and we look forward to returning to The International, as we celebrate the event’s fifth anniversary.
“Last year we were extremely unlucky with the weather, but we were all able to witness the potential of The International as a top class venue, and therefore we must thank TIG Sports and all of our sponsors for giving us this opportunity to return for a second consecutive year.
“With the tournament taking place after our events in Russia, Germany and France, and prior to our season-ending event in Mauritius, it could play a vital role towards deciding the final positions in our 2014 Order of Merit.”
Marcel Welling, CEO at The International: “We are extremely proud that the European Senior Tour is returning once again to The International. We strive to develop and maintain our course at the highest level and this tournament confirms we are doing the right thing.”
Tournament director Pieter van Doorne underlined the unique character of the Dutch Senior Open. He said: “Two of the three days the professionals play with an amateur, special guests of the organisations that support the tournament and make it possible. The combination of the professionals and amateurs guarantees both a relaxed and top sporting atmosphere.”
Previous winners of the Dutch Senior Open are Englishman George Ryall (2010), Ireland’s Des Smyth (2011), Japan’s Massy Kuramoto (2012), all of whom triumphed at The Royal Haagsche G&CC when the event was known as the Van Lanschot Senior Open, and Brown who became the first winner at The International last year.
