Before the fourth Staysure Tour event of the season gets under way, here are five golfers to keep an eye on at the Senior Italian Open presented by Villaverde Resort.
Clark Dennis
The defending Senior Italian Open presented by Villaverde Resort Champion and the first American to top the Staysure Tour Order of Merit and claim the Rookie of the Year Award, all in his debut season.
With a runner-up spot and a share of seventh under his belt already this season, Dennis will be keen to defend his title and win his first event of the 2018 campaign.
Peter Fowler
Last year’s Senior Italian Open presented by Villaverde Resort runner-up, Fowler will be keen to go one step further and record his sixth victory on the over-50s circuit.
Defeated by Dennis in the play-off at Golf Club Udine, he will be aiming to get revenge this time round, especially following another play-off defeat at the Sharjah Senior Masters present by Shurooq at the start of this year.
The Australian will be hoping to find the kind of form which resulted in six top five results last season and Italy might be the place to begin.
Chris Williams
The South African was in prime position to put pressure on the leaders at the event 12 months ago but the weather deteriorated, he lost momentum and he had to settle for a share of third place.
After a tied 11thfinish in Sharjah to begin the season, a share of sixth at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, and a tied 17thresult in Denmark, Williams will certainly be hoping to put pressure on the leaders again this week.
Barry Lane
The Englishman challenged for the lead during every round at the Shipco Masters promoted by Simon’s Golf Club two weeks ago.
Rounds of 67-69-72 saw him finish tied second after carding 16 birdies and an eagle over the three days, so if the putter remains hot, the 1993 Ryder Cup player could be in with a shout for his seventh Staysure Tour title.
Paul Eales
Eales was just as hot with the putter around Simon’s Golf Club as Lane, as he shared second place with his countryman.
The 2016 Senior Scottish Open winner was extremely strong on the back nine each day and could be a contender this week heading down the final stretch with the leaders in sight, or indeed the lead in his own hands.
