Johnstone gets in the swing for Senior Open

Published 5 Jul 2009 16:03 0 Comments

ASCOT golfer Tony Johnstone believes the decision to stage the prestigious British Senior Open at Sunningdale is a massive boost to the area.

Organisers have broken with tradition and switched the venue from a traditional seaside links to Willie Park Junior"s famous Old Course.

It is a massive compliment to Sunningdale itself and is certain to provide the local economy with a shot in the arm with thousands of spectators due to attend the four-day event which starts on July 23.

And Johnstone, who has a genuine chance of winning it, explained: 'If you are going to have it on a non-links course, you can"t beat Sunningdale which is home for me.

'It is a great, traditional course and a proper test of golf and course management.'

And he appealed to the public saying: 'It is near London so hopefully it will give people who don"t normally see the Senior Open the chance to come out and watch.

'I played really well last year to finish 11th and hopefully I can go 10 better this year.'

Johnstone clinched a fairytale maiden Senior Tour victory at the 2008 Jersey Senior Classic, four years after being diagnosed with MS and being told he may never play again.

And he tied for 11th in last year"s championship at Royal Troon which was won by American Bruce Vaughan.

The line-up at this year"s event is like a who"s who of golfing legends including Sir Nick Faldo, Ian Woosman, Sam Torrance, Bernhard Langer, Greg Norman and Tom Watson.

That group alone boast an astounding 18 Major titles between them plus four former Ryder Cup Europeans captains in Faldo, Torrance, Woosnam and Langer.

And those who like a flutter may also pay attention to Johnstone"s words: 'I think the man who beats Sam Torrance wins - he knows every blade of grass at Sunningdale.'

Sunningdale has played host to some of the biggest events in golf over many years, including the 2008 Women"s British Open won by South Korean Ji-Yai Shin.

It is expected to attract spectators from all over the world given the strength of the star-studded field and the course"s close proximity to London and its airports.

The championship will also be a special one for former European Tour professional and another Ascot resident, Roger Chapman, who will be playing in his first Senior Open.

'It"s different to have a Senior Open Championship not at a links course,' he said. 'I live just around the corner in Ascot and I play a lot of Sunningdale.

'It"s a great course and it will be in fantastic condition. I know the club and all the staff there will do the tournament proud.'

And he added: 'I watched the Women"s British Open there and the course was in fantastic condition - I"ve never seen it looking so good.

'It is a very good field and being close to London, the galleries will flock in to see the Watsons, Normans and the like. It will be a great tournament.'

And David Hill, The Royal and Ancient"s director of championships declared. 'This is undoubtedly the strongest field ever assembled for the The Senior Open Championship.'

Qualifying takes place on Monday, July 20 at The Berkshire, Camberley Heath and Mill Ride. Entry is free.

The Senior Open Championship runs from July 23-26. To book tickets call 0800 023 2557 or visit www.europeantourtickets.com.

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