The romantic city of Venice will continue its love affair with Seniors golf when the third staging of the Italian Seniors Open takes place with a new title sponsor as electronics giant Sharp put their name to one of the most popular events on the European Seniors Tour.
The Sharp Italian Seniors Open will be played at Circolo Golf Venezia for a third successive season from May 19-21, 2006 and will carry a prize fund of €175,000.
Gery Watine of France will be defending the title against a strong field including Tony Johnstone, Carl Mason and José Rivero.
In each of the past two years the tournament has produced high quality golf to match the magnificent surroundings of Circolo Golf Venezia on the outskirts of one of the Italy’s most beautiful cities.
Last year, Watine launched his challenge with a five under par 67 which equalled the course record set by Arnold Palmer, and then finished the tournament with similar aplomb by sinking an 18 foot birdie putt to defeat Eamonn Darcy in a sudden-death play-off on the Sunday.
“It was a very special moment for me, winning my first seniors title, and I look forward to defending it,” said the former European Tour player, winner of 25 titles in his native France.
“To hold the course record alongside Arnold Palmer is a great honour for me. Palmer has always been a hero of mine and the first book I ever read about golf, when I was 13 years old, was written by Palmer, so it is quite special for me to hold a course record with such a great man.”
Australian Terry Gale produced another thrilling finish to win the inaugural title in 2004, birdieing both the closing par fours at Circolo Golf Venezia to beat England’s David J Russell by a stroke.
The 2006 Sharp Italian Seniors Open will herald the European Seniors Tour debut of Johnstone, the 1992 PGA Champion, who turns 50 on May 2. Johnstone’s entry in the tournament further strengthens the ranks of former European Tour winners that include Rivero, who won the first event on the 2006 European Seniors Tour Schedule.
The 2006 Sharp Italian Seniors Open will begin with two Pro-Ams on Wednesday May 17 and Thursday May 18, followed by the 54-hole professional stroke play event.
Notes:
Founded in 1912, Sharp has established its leadership in various markets like consumer electronics, renewable energy and multifunctional products. Aquos LCD-TV are setting a new standard of excellence as well as Sharp solar panels.
In addition to its innovative technology Sharp excels in its great attention to environment: in Japan they are constantly recognised among the top companies at the Global Environment Awards.
The sponsorship of the 3rd Italian Senior Open has been carefully chosen by Sharp as an event of great prestige for the superb location and the high level and reputation of golfers.
