The Netherlands prepares for arrival of golfing greats
The Dutch Senior Open promises to be another highlight of a great 2014 season for golf in the Netherlands, as The International, near Amsterdam, provides the perfect venue for fans opportunity to see Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance and other golfing greats in action.
September was a terrific month for golf in the Netherlands, with former World Number Three Paul Casey claiming a historic first win on Dutch soil in the KLM Open. National hope Joost Luiten came fifth on home soil before claiming victory at the ISPS Handa Wales Open a week later.
October promises to be another special month for the small golf loving country, with the Dutch Senior Open being held at The International. This course was opened in 2012 is but already regarded as one of the best courses in the Netherlands.
The Dutch Senior Open is the penultimate tournament of the European Senior Tour and 60 professionals will play for a total prize fund of €200.000. The format of the tournament is similar to that of the Dunhill Links Championship, as the professionals will play for an individual score over 54 holes. However, the first two days they will be paired with an amateur golfer and play for a team score.
This year former football players and keen golfers Ruud Gullit and Ronald de Boer will be teeing off alongside a professional.
Tournament director Pieter van Doorne was full of praise of the Senior Tour players, saying: “These men still play great golf. They have a lot of fun out there, they have flair and are more approachable than the current crop of top golfers. The atmosphere among the players is similar to how it was on the European Tour 25 years ago.”
Over the years the Dutch Senior Open has attracted a number of great players and this year’s field is as impressive as ever.
Van Doorne: “Almost all top players are taking part. Only Colin Montgomerie will not be playing in Amsterdam. He is the current leader of the Order of Merit, but has a very busy schedule, playing the European Senior Tour, the Champions Tour and the European Tour.”
For Ian Woosnam the event feels a bit like a home event. Being one of the architects of The International, the Welshman knows the secrets of the course like no other player. Also playing in the Netherlands are Sam Torrance and Des Smyth, two of the vice-captains of the European Ryder Cup team, which claimed a 16½ -11½ victory over the USA at Gleneagles last week.
Undoubtedly inspired by that success, both Torrance and Smyth will be looking for a high finish in the Dutch Senior Open. Smyth won the event in 2011.
The Dutch Senior Open is a spectator friendly event and entrance to The International is free of charge.
