Entry forms are now available for the biggest event on the European Senior Tour – the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex – which this year takes place at Carnoustie in Scotland from July 21-24.
Marco Dawson of the United States will be defending the title he won in dramatic fashion in 2015, holding off world famous names in Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Angel Jiménez and Fred Couples at Sunningdale Golf Club.
Now, those top stars are set to renew battle over the challenging championship links at Carnoustie with approximately 114 exempt players being joined by 30 qualifiers who will emerge from the 18-hole qualifying event on Monday, July 18.
Langer will be attempting to lift the trophy for a second time at Carnoustie, having won there in 2010 while another Carnoustie specialist, Tom Watson, will return to the venue where he claimed The Open Championship at his first attempt 41 years ago. Among those turning 50 ahead of the Championship is former Open Champion John Daly, who will be eligible to make his debut in the event.
Entrants for the 2016 Senior Open Championship must be 50 on or before Thursday, July 21, the first round of the event. Those not exempt will attempt to qualify at one of four superb courses in Downfield, Monifieth, Montrose and Panmure.
In 2010, a total of 259 golfers entered the qualifying competition, and over the past five years no fewer than 1748 players have taken part in the Monday qualifying, including a record 421 last year.
There is a history of outstanding achievement via the qualifying route. In 2004, American Pete Oakley finished tied fourth of 20 qualifiers from 132 starters at Portstewart in Northern Ireland, before going on to lift the trophy as a rank outsider at Royal Portrush six days later.
More recently, another American, Dick Mast, occupied fourth place behind Fred Couples at Turnberry in 2012, while Chris Williams finished tied 16th in 2014 and Fran Quinn was 34th at Sunningdale last year.
The closing date for entries to the 2016 Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex is Thursday, June 30. To obtain a form and for further information on the Senior Open Championship, visitsenioropenchampionship.com/qualifying
For those wishing to witness these legends first hand, early bird tickets for the 2016 Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex are available now, priced £70 for a season ticket and £25 for a day ticket. Juveniles aged 16 and under are admitted free of charge. All parking is also free.
To buy tickets at these advance prices, click here:http://tickets.europeantour.com/event/the-senior-open-championship/carnoustie-golf-links/899860/or by visiting: tickets.europeantour.co or by calling +44 (0)1344 850550.
Hospitality packages are also available click here:
http://tickets.europeantour.com/event/the-senior-open-championship-hospitality/carnoustie-golf-links/905538/
For further information call +44 (0) 1344 840550.
