Greg Norman and a cast of international golfing icons will headline the strongest field to assemble in the 23 year history of The Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard at Sunningdale Golf Club from June 23-26, 2009.

Norman, who at 54 rolled back the years at last year's Open Championship when he finished third after leading going into the back nine, will be joined by Major Champions Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman, Tom Watson and Ian Woosnam, as well as former European Ryder Cup Captains Mark James and Sam Torrance.

The Australian, a two time Open Champion, is searching for his maiden Senior Major Championship after finishing fifth behind winner Bruce Vaughan of America in The 2008 Senior Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club.

Norman won The European Open at Sunningdale in 1986 - the same year as his first Open Championship - while Langer (1985), Woosnam (1988) and Faldo (1992) also lifted the European Open at the Berkshire venue.

James and Torrance currently occupy the top two positions on the European Senior Tour Order of Merit having won the Son Gual Mallorca Senior Open and the DGM Barbados Masters respectively in 2009, while Englishman James finished as the top European in the recent US Senior PGA Championship.

Golf fans will also be able to see Faldo's first appearance on the Senior Tour since he captained The European Ryder Cup Team at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, last September, while Watson is chasing his fourth Senior Open Championship title.

Meanwhile Lehman, the 2006 American Ryder Cup Captain, is making his debut in the Championship after turning 50 on March 7 and winning the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf with Bernhard Langer in April.

Last year's Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard attracted record crowds to Royal Troon Golf Club and the world class field should ensure packed galleries at Sunningdale, which hosts the Championship for the first time.

David Hill, The R&A's Director of Championships, said: "This is undoubtedly the strongest field ever assembled for The Senior Open Championship and we are delighted to see so many Major Champions and former Ryder Cup Captains playing at Sunningdale.

"Each year the field gets stronger and the Championship grows in popularity as fans want to see some of golf's most iconic names. This year will be no exception and Sunningdale, where so many of our illustrious names have already won, will provide a fitting venue for this prestigious Championship."

Michael Robichaud, Vice President, Global Sponsorships, MasterCard Worldwide, said: "MasterCard is proud to serve as presenting sponsor of The 2009 Senior Open Championship for the second consecutive year. Our cardholders have a strong affinity for golf - particularly The Senior Open Championship - and we share that passion. With this year's extremely competitive field and Sunningdale Golf Club as the venue, we anticipate yet another 'priceless' week of golf action."

Spectators can now buy discounted tickets before July 1 to see the world class field at Sunningdale Golf Club.

One day tickets are now on sale for just £16.50 - a saving of £8.50 on the gate price - or £15 for those paying by MasterCard card if booked before July 1.

A season ticket is £60 before July 1 - a saving of £10 on the gate price - with a further 10% discount also available for customers booking and paying by MasterCard card, meaning they can watch all of the action for just £54.

Tickets for the Championship can be booked now in advance either via www.europeantourtickets.com or by calling +44 (0) 800 023 2557.

MasterCard Global Sponsorship messaging:
Golf is a global platform which allows MasterCard the ability to engage with the hundreds of millions of golf enthusiasts worldwide. As the official payment system of the European PGA Tour, PGA TOUR and PGA Champions Tour, MasterCard creates compelling experiences for customers and consumers wherever the game is played. MasterCard is proud to sponsor an array of tournaments including The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By MasterCard in Orlando, The MasterCard Classic in Mexico City and the Senior Open Championship Presented by MasterCard in London. In addition, MasterCard enjoys relationships with Ian Poulter, Daniel Chopra, Camilo Villegas, Boo Weekley, Brandt Snedeker, Natalie Gulbis and golf legend, Tom Watson.

About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes approximately 21 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information, go to www.mastercard.com

Paul Symes
Press Officer
European Tour
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