Greg Norman gets the chance to contend again
BY Bruce Young | European Seniors Tour | 2005 Senior British Open | Preview | 20 Jul 2005
Six years ago, Greg Norman was not entirely fussed on the idea of playing the Seniors Tour when he reached 50. As that milestone crept closer however, Norman seems to have softened his views on the possibility of extending his career. This Thursday, Norman plays his very first tournament for the over fifty brigade when he tees it up at Royal Aberdeen in the Senior British Open and will more than likely tee it up as the favourite after his marvellous week last week at St Andrews.
Perhaps it is the chance to get the competitive juices going once again – it is certainly not the need for money – but also the chance to continue to challenge himself and once again feel the thrill of contention, have no doubt been driving forces for Norman.
Norman’s effort to make the cut last week and eventually finish 60th at the Open Championship, especially given that he had not played competitively since Dubai, was very impressive. He looked fit but was clearly short of a run and with that behind him he will be much better placed this week. As many have found previously the Seniors Tour is not quite the walk up start that they have thought although his performance here will be watched with interest by not only the golfing public but by his peers also.
The defending champion is Pete Oakley who edged out the two more fancied candidates Tom Kite and Eduardo Romero by a shot at Royal Portrush.
This year’s event is being played at Royal Aberdeen which for many of those who played last week at St Andrews will mean a short drive north. The course is one of the oldest in the World.
The Club itself is more than 200 years old although this layout was created in the 1880’s by architects Robert and Archie Simpson who hailed from down the road at Carnoustie. James Braid made bunkering changes in the 1920’s and more recent changes have retained the superb links while at the same time retaining its relevance in modern day golf. The course now plays over 6800 yards and is located amongst sand dunes alongside the North Sea.
The tournament has become an official major on both the European and US Seniors (Champions) Tours and as such offers the opportunity for a European Senior Tour golfer to leapfrog onto the US Champions Tour.
Norman and another Senior debutante, Loren Roberts, will both tee it up this week as the favourites but there are many others who could be likely winners and others again capable of winning as we saw last year at Royal Portrush.
Peter Jacobsen recently won a major on the US Champions Tour when he held out Hale Irwin to win the Ford Players Championship and he has often played well at the British Open. Eduardo Romero has mixed his Senior and Regular Tour careers since making his debut at this event when second last year.
Others who might stand a chance are Mark McNulty, Tom Watson and Tom Kite.
Australasia is well represented and not without hope. Graham Marsh, Rodger Davis, Noel Ratcliffe, Terry Gale, David Good, Bob Charles, previous winner Ian Stanley, Mike Fergusson, Bob Shearer and Simon Owen are in the field with several capable of upsetting.
The tournament has prizemoney of £1 million.
