With 38 spots for the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex available, competition in Monday’s qualifying rounds is certain to be fierce ahead of the main event, which tees off at Carnoustie on Thursday, July 21.
A total of 106 exempt golfers have had their places at the Senior Open confirmed, and the 144-strong field will be completed following the qualifying events held at Downfield, Monifeith, Montrose and Panmure - with a minimum of nine places per course available.
Out of the 402 golfers playing on the four courses, 14 European Senior Tour members will be among those fighting for their place at Carnoustie, which hosts the Senior Open Championship for the second time, following Bernhard Langer’s success in 2010.
Those teeing up on Monday will be hoping to emulate Pete Oakley’s performance in 2004 when the American became the first and, to date, only qualifier to take the coveted title when he triumphed by one stroke, ahead of Tom Kite and Eduardo Romero at Royal Portrush.
At Downfield, Luis Carbonetti and Bill Longmuir are two of 102 golfers vying for a place at Carnoustie. Set in beautiful parkland in the city of Dundee, the course offers a superb challenge from its Championship tees. Host venue for the Scottish Open in 1972, the layout stretches to 6,817 yards with a par of 72.
Monifieth will host 101 golfers. At Montrose, David J Russell, who holds the record for the youngest golfer to record a hole-in-one at a Major Championship as a 19 year old in The 102nd Open Championship at Royal Troon in 1973 is one of 102 bidding for a place at Carnoustie.
Monifieth, a par-71, was also used as an Open Championship Qualifying venue in 2007. Montrose is one of the world’s oldest courses, with over 450 years of history.
The Championship course at Panmure, which was founded in 1845, was reconfigured by course architect James Braid and is 6,551 yards long with a par of 70.
There will be 98 golfers will take on the test, including Irishman Denis O’Sullivan who became the first player to reach the milestone of 300 Senior Tour appearances earlier this year, at the SSE Enterprise Wales Seniors Open.
Should he qualify for the Senior Open Championship, the evergreen Sullivan would be taking part in his 304th Senior Tour event.
Tickets for next weekend’s Senior Open Championship are still available to purchasehere. Practice day tickets are priced at £15, Any One Day tickets are priced at £30, and Season Passes, valid from Wednesday to Sunday, priced at £80. All tickets are also available on the gate.
For an unforgettable day at Carnoustie, take advantage of the opportunity to relax in comfort with guests in the Dalhousie hospitality experience.
Located within the famous Carnoustie Golf Hotel, with outstanding views of the 1st tee and 18th green, you can truly enjoy the Senior Open Championship in style.
Priced at £120 per person, you will receive a VIP parking pass, a two-course luncheon, and reserved seating with unparalleled views for the 18th green in the 18th green Championship Grandstand.
