A new chapter begins for The Sinclair Invitational this week at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club and we have taken a look at five things you need to know ahead of the event.
A new era
Formerly the Willow Senior Golf Classic, The Sinclair Invitational begins a new era this week under the name of its founders Corrine and Duncan Sinclair. Mr and Mrs Sinclair have been the driving force behind the tournament’s success in its first three years and their name is now up in lights as it enters its fourth edition. With a prize fund of £400,000, The Sinclair Invitational is in the top tier of tournaments in terms of Order of Merit points on the Staysure Tour International Schedule, outside of the Senior Major Championships.
More than golf
With golf being the undoubted highlight, flocks of supporters will turn out to see some of the best players in over-50s golf tee it up at Hanbury Manor, however, there is much more to offer off the course. The Spectator Village will serve up food, drinks and entertainment across all three days with player Q&As, live music and the prize presentation taking place. The On Course Foundation – the official charity partner of The Sinclair Invitational – will also be hosting a special activation in conjunction with American Golf; check it out!
Innovative format
A number of amateur golfers will get the opportunity of a lifetime this week as they tee it up alongside Staysure Tour professionals. The Pro-Am Alliance format, which has become a favourite on the over-50s scene, sees amateurs playing in the same groups as the professionals in their own competition, with the professionals’ scores counting towards an overall team score.
Major Champions
Two Major Champions and two Senior Major Champions will tee it up at Hanbury Manor this week. Former World Number One and 1991 Masters Champion Ian Woosnam will make his seventh Staysure Tour start of the season – in addition to his appearance at Augusta National in April – while Paul Lawrie will look to add another victory to his haul after winning on the over-50s circuit for the first time at the Scottish Senior Open last time out. Additionally, 2012 US Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and 2012 U.S. Senior Open Champion Roger Chapman will look to make it two consecutive winning years following his MCB Tour Championship – Seychelles victory in 2018, while 2004 Senior Players Champion and 1999 European Ryder Cup Captain Mark James will also tee it up.
All for charity
The On Course Foundation will be the official charity partner of The Sinclair Invitational. The organisation helps aid the recover of injured and sick service personnel and veterans through nationwide golf events and employment in the golf industry.
Alistair McKay-Forbes, Managing Director of the On Course Foundation, explains how the event will help the charity.
“As the only military charity that supports the recovery of wounded Service personnel and veterans through the sport of golf, we play a vital role in their rehabilitation, transition back to normal civilian life and sourcing of employment opportunities within the industry.
“Our association with the tournament will allow us to increase public awareness of our work and draw attention to the issues that our beneficiaries face as they recover from their life changing injuries.”
