Sam Torrance has confirmed he will be returning to defend his Charles Church Scottish Seniors Open title at the Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, from September 28-30.
Some 12 months ago, Torrance celebrated his 40th victory as a professional when he closed with a final round of 70 for a winning 54-hole total aggregate of three under par 213, which proved enough to pip fellow Scot Bill Longmuir by one stroke.
It was Torrance’s third victory on Dalmahoy’s East Course, following his triumphs in the Scottish PGA Championship in 1985 and 1993 – and he is excited about going for a fourth on his native soil.
Europe’s winning Ryder Cup Captain in 2002, who hails from Largs, said: “It is great to win in my home country. I have great support up in Scotland, so it’s always a wee bit more special than my other wins when I win here. I’m looking forward to getting back to Dalmahoy to defend. ”
Torrance will once more be challenged by a number of rival Scots all keen to win their national open on the revamped East Course.
Ross Drummond, a four time winner of the Scottish Professional Championship, makes his debut in the event, having turned 50 in November 2006 and duly embarked on a European Seniors Tour career.
John Chillas, Martin Gray, 2004 winner Longmuir, who recently captured The Midas English Seniors Open at St Mellion International Hotel, Golf and Country Club, plus Mike Miller – who was third a year ago at Dalmahoy in a Scottish one-two-three in the final standings – and Steve Martin, all complete the Scottish challenge.
Italy’s Costantino Rocca is another making his debut at Midlothian, in the country where he so memorably holed a monster putt through the Valley of Sin on the 18th hole at St Andrews to set up a play-off for the 1995 Open Championship that John Daly eventually secured.
Australia’s Graham Marsh, who won the Scottish Open in 1973 on The European Tour, is another confirmed participant, as are former Scottish Seniors Open winners, Australia’s Terry Gale (2003), and English duo Nick Job (2005) and Denis Durnian (2002).
Neal Graham, Director of Golf at Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, is keen to see the cream of Europe’s seniors do battle over the East Course once more.
He said: “During 2005, the East Course received a major overhaul which saw the introduction of two new holes, several new tees and a number of new bunkers and it has now been re-established as one of the finest Championship venues in Scotland.
“The new lay-out presents a great test for the leading players on the European Seniors Tour and will provide an excellent spectacle for members of the general public, so we are looking forward to welcoming the Tour back to Dalmahoy.”
Additionally, the tournament has been boosted by an increase in prize money, which has risen to £225,000, from £200,000 in 2006.
David Bryant, Group Development Director of Charles Church, said: “Charles Church is delighted to offer their continued support to the event and look forward to another successful tournament for all concerned.”
European Seniors Tour Managing Director Andy Stubbs said: “We are delighted that the Charles Church Scottish Open continues to grow in stature and support, both financially and in terms of the quality field it has attracted.
“We look forward to another exciting tournament on the 2007 European Seniors Tour schedule. I know Sam is keen to successfully defend his title and close the gap on the Order of Merit leaders as the season approaches its climax.”
