Sir Nick Faldo, 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 July 23-26, 2009.
Sir Nick Faldo - Picture © Getty Images
Norman, at 54 rolled back the years at last year's Open Championship when he finished third after leading going into the back nine and Faldo, recently knighted in the Queen's birthdays honours list has won six major titles include three Opens. They will be joined by fellow Major Champions, Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman, Tom Watson, Mark O'Meara and Ian Woosnam, as well as former European Ryder Cup Captains Mark James and Sam Torrance.
Norman, 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. Faldo is also still the holder of the course record for the Old Course at Sunningdale which his has held since 1986 with a round of 62.
James and Torrance currently occupy two of the top three 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 Tom 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."
One day tickets are now on sale for just £25.00 with a season ticket for the four days available for £70.00. Paying with a MasterCard will get you a 10% saving on the admission price
Tickets for the Championship can be booked now in advance either via www.europeantourtickets.com or by calling +44 (0) 800 023 2557. Tickets will also be available on the gate at the tournament.
