As the countdown towards the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship at Close Hose gathers pace, last year’s winner Santiago Luna is looking forward to defending his title at a brand new venue.
Set to be played on the Lee Westwood designed Colt course at the Newcastle venue, the 52 year old from Madrid will hope to replicate the form of 12 months ago that saw him claim a two stroke victory over Steen Tinning at The Stoke by Nayland Hotel.
That was his second win on the circuit en route to an 11th place finish in the Order of Merit, thanks to three further top ten finishes last year, as he prepares to embark on his third season of over 50s action in 2015.
Luna also has an exemplary record in the north-east of England, having finished runner-up to Tinning at the 2013 English Senior Open at Rockliffe Hall.
He is therefore hoping to get his season off to another fast start, and few would bet against the 1995 Madeira Island Open winner doing just that.
“It is always nice to play in a tournament where you get to go and defend your title,” said Luna. “It is a nice experience and I am feeling good about my game. I will be travelling to the event with the same caddy, with my wife, so we will see how the golf course suits my game and maybe I can play as well again.
“I have not played Close House before, but I have played in that part of England on The European Tour, and it is very nice. I hope we get plenty of sunshine in June, and whatever happens, I am very excited to be there.
“Looking ahead to this season, I feel good. Not playing events has given me a chance to do nice things with my family, spend time with my friends and at my home club, so it has been a good time for an old man.
“My game feels sharp. I played in the Challenge Tour event recently in Madrid and tried out some new equipment, which is feeling good. The start of the season is a good time for me to try some new stuff out to use on the Senior Tour, and I am very happy about my game at the moment.”
Luna will join Ryder Cup winning captain Sam Torrance in the field for the longest running tournament on the Senior Tour schedule, the only four round event outside the Majors.
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