The picturesque La Quinta Golf and Country Club will provide an appropriate stage this week for the latest instalment in the battle for the European Senior Tour Order of Merit, which could once again go down to the wire.
With just two events remaining following this week’s Benahavis Senior Masters, a return date in Spain next month for the OKI Castéllon Senior Tour Championship is looking increasingly like being crucial to the recipient of the John Jacobs Trophy.
Boonchu Ruangkit, who has amassed €227,796 so far this season, currently heads the Order of Merit by €24,199 from South African Chris Williams, who will be looking to close that gap with a maiden victory in the Benahavis Senior Masters.
Gordon Brand Jnr, who heads to Marbella on the back of two consecutive runner up finishes, is third with €187,755 and will be hoping to continue his fine form to give himself a chance of denying either of the top two.
Last year’s Order of Merit was decided right at the death when Sam Torrance pipped Ian Woosnam in the battle of the former Ryder Cup Captains at the OKI Castéllon Senior Tour Championship, but a top six finish in the Benahavis Senior Masters in the previous event helped Glenn Ralph finish fourth in the end of season rankings.
With a first prize of €27,000, the second edition of the Benahavis Senior Masters could also play an important role in deciding the top ten once again, and indeed the all important top 30 at the end of the season.
Qualifying School graduate Adan Sowa, five time Senior Tour winner Nick Job, and former BMW International Open winner Peter Fowler are all currently hovering on the fringe of the top 30, which guarantees entry to the Handa Cup Senior Masters in Japan next month, which is part of the 2011 schedule.
Among those also hoping to perform well at La Quinta Golf and Country Club this week is Spanish former Ryder Cup player Manuel Piñero, who designed the course and has overseen some changes since last year’s inaugural event.
