The 11th edition of the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters from September 2-4 is set to be the strongest in the event’s history, with an increased prize fund and a redeveloped host venue in Woburn Golf Club.
Leading players on the European Senior Tour will compete for a prize fund of £285,000 – up £25,000 from 2010, when Irishman Des Smyth captured the title – and a first prize of £42,750, which could significantly affect the Order of Merit.
They will also encounter a new clubhouse at Woburn which opened recently following a multi-million pound refurbishment programme, thereby further enhancing Woburn’s reputation as one of the leading complexes in Britain.
Work on the new clubhouse began the day after Smyth won the Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters over the Duke’s Course last September, and finished ahead of schedule in time for the summer season. It means Europe’s best senior golfers will arrive this September to find a venue they know and love transformed.
Former Ryder Cup player Smyth held off an impressive field and denied Carl Mason a record-breaking 24th European Senior Tour title. Mason has since achieved that groundbreaking feat, and will once again be among the field for the tournament. The Englishman is the only player to win the title twice, in 2006 and 2007, and he will attempt to capture a hat-trick in September at an event that has attracted large crowds to Woburn in recent years.
John Carter, Chief Operating Officer of Travis Perkins plc said: “We’ve been sponsoring the Senior Tour for a number of years now, and we’re delighted that it continues to grow in popularity and prestige. The new clubhouse facilities are amazing and will make this event even more special for the players and spectators. We look forward to welcoming record crowds again this year.”
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “The Travis Perkins plc Senior Masters has rapidly developed into one of the most popular events on the Senior Tour Schedule with our Members, who always relish testing themselves over the world famous Duke’s Course. This year the new clubhouse should add an extra dimension to an already special tournament, so we’re all looking forward to getting to Woburn in September to see it for ourselves.”
Jason O’Malley, General Manager of Woburn Golf Club, said: “We look forward to welcoming Travis Perkins and the European Senior Tour back to Woburn. We have undertaken a major improvement of our clubhouse facilities over the winter, which we trust they will enjoy.”
