Leading players on the European Senior Tour will be looking to strengthen their Order of Merit hopes in the lucrative Casa Serena Open, which returns to the Czech Republic for a fourth consecutive year from September 16-18.
Englishmen Peter Mitchell and Gary Wolstenholme, champions in 2009 and 2010 respectively after Bernhard Langer’s inaugural victory in 2008, both went on to finish strongly in the Order of Merit in those campaigns as a direct result of their performances in the Casa Serena Open.
Mitchell ended the 2009 season in sixth position and Wolstenholme finished 17th last season despite playing in just six events after turning 50 in August.
With a prize fund of €400,000, one of the largest on the 2011 Senior Tour Schedule, the tournament once again looks like having a profound impact on the end of season standings.
One man who will be looking to perform well to boost his chances of winning the Order of Merit and the John Jacobs Trophy is former World Number One and Masters Champion Ian Woosnam.
The 2006 Ryder Cup Captain has finished runner-up and fourth on his two previous appearances in the Casa Serena Open in 2008 and 2009, en route to winning and finishing second on the Order of Merit.
After capturing his first Senior Tour victory in two years in the recent Berenberg Bank Masters, the Welshman, who currently lies fourth on the Order of Merit, will head to the Czech Republic eager to boost his chances of ending the year as Senior Tour Number One for a second time.
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “The Casa Serena Open has been one of the highlights on the European Senior Tour calendar for the past three seasons and we look forward to another edition this September. We expect another strong field with the players all eager to do well in an event that has a significant impact on the end of season standings.”
