If you're keen on experiencing links golf after watching The Open at Royal Troon, you may be interested in this week's Senior Open presented by Rolex, set to be held at the renowned Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland.
The event, spanning 72 holes, features golf legends from both the Champions Tour and Legends Tour, competing for a $2.85 million prize. Notable participants include Padraig Harrington (Ire) and Darren Clarke (NI), who both participated in all four rounds at The Open at Royal Troon. Harrington was defeated by Alex Cejka (Ger) in a playoff last year at Royal Porthcawl, under severe weather conditions. All players are hoping for better weather this week.
Thomas Bjorn (Den), a former Dubai resident, aims to maintain his recent good form, ranking 22nd in the Charles Schwab Champions Tour Standings. Defending champion Cejka will compete alongside John Daly (US), the currently in-form Ernie Els (RSA), Scott Hend (Aus) leading the Legends Tour Order of Merit, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain), Bernhard Langer (Ger), Justin Leonard (US), 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie, Paul McGinley (Ire), Colin Montgomerie (Scot), Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain), Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) recipient of the Dubai Golden VISA Award, and Ian Woosnam (Wales).
Jeev Milkha Singh shared with Khaleej Times, "I have played Carnoustie numerous times, including in both The Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. In my view, it is the most challenging links course." He added, "I thrive in tough conditions and can work the ball, which is crucial for links golf. Many players struggle with bad weather, often eliminating half the field before the game begins. Golf is inherently imperfect." He concluded, "As with all links golf, it heavily depends on the weather and luck. Despite the forecast predicting rain, one can never be sure in Scotland. Regardless of the conditions, I will be prepared."
This week's statistic highlights Ernie Els at the top of the 2024 Charles Schwab Champions Tour Order of Merit Rankings, having earned $1,807,160 this season. Carnoustie has hosted The Open eight times and the Senior Open in 2010 and 2016, with winners Bernhard Langer and Paul Broadhurst set to play again this week. Following the Senior Open, the Legends Tour will host their flagship event, the Staysure Seniors PGA Championship, hosted by Colin Montgomerie at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire from July 31st to August 4th, 2024. Many top players from Carnoustie will participate, weather permitting. For more information, visit www.Legendstour.com.
