A FIELD of 29 European Tour players will take on Royal Portrush in the second event in the European Tour’s BMW Indoor Invitational.

Dutchman Joost Luiten won the inaugural virtual golf tournament – powered by Trackman – last Saturday.

The five-time European Tour winner finished two shots clear of the field over St Andrews’ Old Course using the latest simulator technology.

Luiten is in the field once again and will comprise this week’s interactive feature group with Englishman Paul Waring.

The 2018 Nordea Masters winner is among the new additions to the field along with fellow European Tour winners Alex Levy and Wiltshire’s Jordan Smith.

They join a line-up which includes former World No. 1 and two-time Major champion Martin Kaymer.

They will take on Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links. The Northern Ireland links course hosted the 148^th Open Championship in 2019 – won by Shane Lowry.

He joined Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington as the only golfers from either side of the Irish border to lift the Claret Jug since Fred Daly’s famous win at Hoylake, in 1947.

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LUITEN has never recorded back to back victories in real life tournaments – but he has the chance to achieve the feat virtually this weekend.

Joost said: “I’ve been practising a bit indoors, probably once or twice a week during lockdown to keep the swing going.

“So it was fun to shoot six-under on the Old Course last week and win the inaugural BMW Tackman Invitational. Let’s hope that form continues!

“Royal Portrush is a great track. I played last year’s Open there and it was a good test, so hopefully the weather is a little bit kinder than what we had on Sunday.

“To play these types of famous golf courses, it’s just a lot of fun. That is the great thing with these indoor facilities.

“You can play any course you want, and I think that is really cool for everybody to experience.”

Tournament footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational series will once again be shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com.

Fans can follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational. The winner will receive $10,000 to benefit a coronavirus charity or relief fund of his choice.

The new Dunluce Links’ seventh hole at Royal Portrush which architect Martin Ebert redesigned before the 2019 Open returned to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951

Waring far from wary about joining field of 29 European Tour players at ‘Royal Portrush’

PAUL Waring is looking forward to pitting his wits against fellow European Tour players using the online simulator.

Waring said: “It’s an innovation really. I have an indoor studio and use Trackman every week when I am away on Tour.

Paul Waring, winner of the Nordea Masters in 2018, is joining the BMW Indoor Invitaational field playing Royal Portrush, on Saturday, using a golf simulator

“So it’s a fantastic idea to introduce the tournament concept because a lot of the lads use the system as well already – so it is great to compete on it.

“I’ve had a little play with it. The short game element takes a little bit of getting used too, but it is one of those things you adapt to quickly as a player.

“I’m looking forward to it – looking forward to the competitive element and a little bit of banter along the way that we all love in sports as well – so can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got some great memories of Royal Portrush. It was one of the first places I played when I came back from injury back in 2012 at the Irish Open – finished top 10 there.

“So it’s deeply burned into my memory and some real positives that have come from there,” added Cheshire’s former English Amateur Champion, who also captained England Boys before turning pro.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational will be shown from 11am on the European Tour’s social media channels.

Check it out on Twitter: @europeantour
Instagram: @europeantour
YouTube: EuropeanTour
and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

After Royal Portrush, the European Tour players will tackle Golfclub München Eichenried, on May 23, Real Club Valderrama (May 30) and Wentworth Club (June 6).

Full field for second in BMW Indoor Invitational series

The full field of European Tour players at Royal Portrush includes:
1. Thomas Aiken
2. Adri Arnaus
3. Wil Besseling
4. Dean Burmester
5. Laurie Canter
6. Aaron Cockerill
7. Sebastian Garcia
8. Joachim B Hansen
9. Benjamin Hebert
10. Raphaël Jacquelin
11. Martin Kaymer
12. Maximilian Kieffer
13. Alexander Levy
14. Zander Lombard
15. Mike Lorenzo-Vera
16. Joost Luiten
17. Adrian Meronk
18. Wilco Nienaber
19. Mathieu Pavon
20. Damien Perrier
21. Kristoffer Reitan
22. Antoine Rozner
23. Matthias Schwab
24. Jason Scrivener
25. Jordan Smith
26. Connor Syme
27. Paul Waring
28. Jeff Winther

The post More European Tour players join field at ‘Royal Portrush’ for BMW Indoor Invitational appeared first on Golf North.

Dutchman Joost Luiten made four birdies in five holes on the back nine of the Old Course at St Andrews to win the inaugural BMW Indoor Invitational. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

JOOST Luiten posted a six-under par 66 on the Old Course for a two-shot victory in the inaugural edition of the BMW Indoor Invitational at St Andrews, on Saturday.

The Dutchman finished top of a leaderboard featuring 18 European Tour players in the first of five events in the new series of virtual golf tournaments – using the latest simulator technology.

As a result, he claimed the first prize of €10,000 towards a charity of his choice.

The six-time European Tour winner opted to split the proceeds between his own charity, the Joost Luiten Foundation, and Eramus Medical Centre, a hospital in his native Rotterdam, which has been on the front line in the battle against coronavirus.

Luiten and the rest of the field, which included former World No. 1s Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood, competed virtually over the Old Course at St Andrews from their own homes in the one round, 18 hole strokeplay event – powered by TrackMan.

“It’s a good feeling to win the inaugural event,” said Luiten. “St Andrews is such an iconic course to play.

“Everyone knows it from the TV, so it is a great place to start this.”

“We’ve been doing nothing for such a long time, so it is nice to get that feeling of competition going again.

“You try to stay fit and practise the way you can indoors, but it is different.

“So it is good to have the some nerves and that feeling of actually competing and trying to beat everybody else.

“That’s the most fun for us and that is why we are golf professionals. We have been missing that feeling for a long time, and it was good to get it back and to do well as well.

Luiten birdied the fifth, eighth and ninth holes in a front nine of 33, and then picked up four shots between the 12th and 16th, with just the tricky long uphill 13th not yiedling a birdie.

The Dutchman then carded his only bogey of the day on the 18^th after failing to get up and down from the famous Valley of Sin.

The 34-year-old finished two shots clear of Frenchman Damien Perrier, who fired seven birdies in his opening 14 holes – but then carded three consecutive bogeys from the 15^th in a round of 68.

Dean Burmester Hole In One at the BMW Indoor Invitational powered by TrackMan_10 MB MOV_m45885

$10k prize goes to two good causes

LUITEN was also pleased to be able to claim the first prize of $10,000 for his two charities.

Each of the five tournament winners in the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – receiving $10,000 towards good causes of their choice.

“Charity is really important, especially in these times,” Luiten said.

“There is so much going on in the world that just needs money. So it is always good to give back.

“I started my own foundation at the beginning of this year to get kids into golf, so I’m going to give 50 per cent to help get that up and running and to help kids enjoy golf.

“The other 50 per cent will be donated to Eramus MC, a hospital here in Rotterdam and one of the biggest hospitals in Holland.

“They are trying to do a lot of research into stopping coronavirus so hopefully they can do a lot of good things with the money.

“It’s also important to raise awareness too. If everyone gives a little or helps out as much as they can hopefully the situation gets better and we can beat this virus.

“That is the most important thing at the moment, to beat this virus and keep the older people safe too and try to get back to normal life,” said Luiten, whose last real victory came in the 2018 Oman Open.

“It’s always special to win but I’m really proud we can give this money to good causes and every little helps.”

Luiten’s fellow Dutchman Wil Besseling shared third position with Poland’s Adrian Meronk on three-under.

France’s Mike Lorenzo-Vera, Spain’s Adri Arnaus and Somerset’s Laurie Canter tied for fifth after posting 70s.

Wiesberger outscores Major man Kaymer

MEANWHILE Kaymer – the two-time Major Champion – joined Austrian Wiesberger in the interactive feature group.

Wiesberger edged the contest with a level-par 72, while Kaymer took two shots more.

The Austrian said: “It was good fun. It was nice to interact with Martin although I can assure you it wouldn’t normally be like that in a tournament.

“Martin is a great guy so and I enjoyed playing St Andrews, my favourite course, with him on the indoor TrackMan set-up.

“All of us, not just golfers but all athletes, are looking forward to getting back into competition again so it was fun to have set this up and for a good cause too, so thanks to the European Tour, BMW and TrackMan.

“It’s crazy where technology has taken us to that we can play golf tournaments indoors like this – and interact with each other – and still have a lot of fun – even if we have a couple more weeks until we get out there with a scorecard in our hand.”

Kaymer added: “To interact with another player again was nice. That’s what you miss most – the competition, to compete against someone who is as good as you.

“I was quite surprised at myself that I was excited to play, and I also had a bit of nervousness at some stage, which is a bit strange. But I look forward to doing the same again next week.

“For BMW, TrackMan and the European Tour to do a good thing was fun. The winner can donate to their charity every week for five weeks in a row.

“This is a beautiful idea. Especially at this time we’re in right now, giving is more important than ever.”

Watch coverage of BMW Indoor Invitational

TOURNAMENT footage was shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Fans were able to follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational is now available on the European Tour’s social media channels – Twitter: @europeantour; Instagram: @europeantour as well as YouTube: EuropeanTour.

This week’s course will be Royal Portrush (Saturday, May 16), followed by Golfclub München Eichenried (Saturday, May 23), Real Club Valderrama (Saturday, May 30) and Wentworth (Saturday, June 6).

The European Tour announced it was creating the innovative online virtual tournament earlier this week.

The post Luiten lights up back nine on Old Course to claim first leg of BMW Indoor Invitational appeared first on Golf North.

The 2019 St Andrews Links Trophy winner Jake Burnage – the 2020 championship has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Picture by ST ANDREWS LINKS

THE St Andrews Links Trophy – which produces Europe’s strongest strokeplay field – has been cancelled because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The St Andrews Links Trust took the decision after the Government’s lockdown was brought in to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, earlier this week.

The cancellation also affects the St Rule Trophy – a leading strokeplay event in the women’s amateur calendar.

The men’s annual 72-hole championship played over two of the St Andrews Links Trust’s five championship courses – with three rounds normally played on the Old Course annually – was due to be played from June 5-7.

A spokesman for the Trust said: “Following discussions with the organising committees of both the St Andrews Links Trophy and St Rule Trophy, we have taken the decision today (Thursday), to cancel the 2020 staging of both of these annual amateur tournaments.”

The St Andrews Links Trophy’s most famous winner was Justin Rose, who was just 16 back in 2007 – the year he made his Walker Cup debut for the Great Britain and Ireland team against the USA as the youngest player in the competition’s history, having just turned 17.

The Trust’s director of golf John Grant said: “The health and wellbeing of our teams, entrants and their families is our number one priority.

“Following the closure of all our facilities and with many countries and regions recommending self-quarantine and continued restrictions on travel, we felt that it was not practical or appropriate to stage this year’s tournaments.

“With both events attracting entrants from around the world we wanted to make a decision as early as possible.

“We look forward to the return of both the St Andrews Links Trophy and St Rule Trophy to St Andrews Links in 2021.”

The St Andrews Links clubhouse

Just two have won St Andrews twice

CRAIG Watson – who captained Great Britain and Ireland}s Walker Cup team at Royal Liverpool last year – is one of only two players to have won the St Andrews Links Trophy twice in its 32-year history.

But he was beaten to the claim of being the first to win the championship twice by Walker Cup star Barclay Howard, who won at St Andrews in 1994 and 1996.

Watson claimed the famous trophy in 1992 – five years before he would claim the Amateur Championship at Royal St George’s.

The East Renfrewshire GC member returned to St Andrew’s two months after his debut in the 1998 Masters at Augusta to lift the trophy again.

Howard, who was a member of the 1995 Walker Cup team that conquered Tiger Woods & Co. at Royal Porthcrawl, was in his early 40s when he began winning big amateur event.

The Cochrane Castle GC member had been made redundant by Rolls-Royce in 1993 and dedicated, his time to playing full-time against the best amateurs.

Howard was the oldest GB&I player in both Walker Cups he was selected for – and was a team-mate of Justin Rose’s in the 1997 defeat at Quaker Ridge, in New York, after claiming the Silver Medal as the low amateur at The Open, at Royal Troon, a month earlier.

With so many winners in the 21st Century turning pro either after their victory at the Home of Golf, or within 12-24 months, the chances of a second victory – let alone back-to-back are very slim these days.

Many winners have gone on to secure their Walker Cup place by winning the St Andrews Links Trophy in an odd year – although the 2019 champion Jake Burnage, from Saunton, was not picked for the match at Hoylake, in September.

Royal Liverpool’s European Challenge Tour winner Matthew Jordan (2017), Hampshire’s Neil Raymond (2013) and Hertfordshire’s Tom Lewis (2011) are three of the five English winners in the last decade.

All three made their Walker Cup debuts in the year of their victory at St Andrews while Ireland’s Alan Dunbar – the winner in 2009 – is one of a small number who did not make the Walker Cup in the year they won at the Home of Golf.

Richard Finch – who won the 2002 English Amateur Championship at Walton Heath – won the St Andrews Links Trophy in June 2003

Finch turned pro after St Andrews Link win

YORKSHIRE’S Richard Finch turned pro in the summer of 2003 after winning the St Andrews Links Trophy.

The Hull GC member was also due to defend the English Amateur crown he won at Walton Heath, in August 2002, and missed out on a Walker Cup appearance at Ganton in September, after signing for Chubby Chandler’s ISM Group.

Wales’ Llewellyn Matthews – the wire-to-wire winner in 2007 – and Scotland’s Lloyd Saltman, who lifted the trophy in front of the famous R&A clubhouse in 2005, both made the Walker Cup team after their victories.

Meanwhile Essex’s two winners – Matthew Southgate (2010) and Oliver Fisher (2006) – went on to earn their European Tour cards.

Fisher also broke Rose’s record when making his Walker Cup debut in 2005 as a 16-year-old.

As well as Saltman, a member at Craigielaw, Scottish winners include Grant Forrest (2014), who also hails from the same club, Carnoustie’s Kier McNicoll (2008) and Leven’s Jamie McLeary (2004).

The latter followed West Linton’s Simon McKenzie’s triumph in 2002 and Colville Park’s Steve O’Hara in 2001, who went on to play in GB&I’s famous win at Sea Island that August.

The team – led by Peter McEvoy – contained future PGA Tour winners Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell – while Scotland’s Marc Warren, Essex’s Richard McEvoy and three-time Faldo Series winner Nick Dougherty all went on to win on the European Tour.

It was the first GB&I team to successfully defend the Walker Cup by winning on US soil.

The winners of the St Andrews Links Trophy have their photo taken standing on the famous Swilcan Bridge, which runs across the 18th fairway on the Old Course.

Huizing’s low-total record in St Andrews Links Trophy

HOLLAND’S Daan Huizing holds the championship record for the lowest 72-hole total in the St Andrews Links Trophy.

The Dutchman won with a 23-under par total of 264 – playing one round on the New and three on the Old.

That was four shots better than Jake Burnage’s winning total in 2019 when the Devon ace played the Jubilee and the Old.

The first-ever winner was Russell Claydon, from Cambridge’s Gog Magog GC, back in 1989.

Australian Stuart Bovier, who succeeded Claydon, Holland’s Daan Huizing (2012) and Italy’s Federico Zucchetti (2015) are the only three overseas winners in the last 32 years.

In total, 11 Englishmen and 11 Scotsmen have won the title with Ireland providing two of the winners in the last four years – Conor O’Rourke in 2016, and John Murphy in 2018.

The date in the men’s amateur calendar clashes with a number of English counties annual championships, which has meant some of England’s top players over the past two decades have missed out on winning their own county championship.

That list includes Hampshire’s Sam Hutsby, Scott Gregory and Harry Ellis who all reached the final of The Amateur Championship, while Corhampton’s Neil Raymond achieved a rare double by winning the Brabazon (twice in 2011 and 2012 ) as well as the St Andrews Links in 2013.

The 11th hole on the Jubilee Course, which is used regularly in the St Andrews Links Trophy

Jubilee and New used as second course for Links Trophy

THE second course used for the St Andrews Links Trophy normally rotates between the Jubilee and the New.

Out a field of 144 – determined by the Official World Golf Rankings and a number of nominations from national golf unions – the top 40 players after playing a round on each course, play 36 holes on the Old Course.

In the past there have been times when used of the Old has been restricted, normally when St Andrews is playing host to the Open Championship in the same year.

And normally every five years, the players get to play the Old Course when the stands for The Open, plus the relevant signage, is already in place.

The championships in 1999 and 2000 were reduced to 36 holes because of the weather, while the 2015 event was cut to 54 holes for the same reason.

The ninth hole on the New Course, also used regularly for the St Andrews Links Trophy

Week-long St Andrews festival ‘remains on’

THE St Andrews Links Trust also organises a week-long festival of amateur events each August for players of all ages and abilities which are still scheduled to take place at present.

The trust spokesman said: “The annual fortnight of competition hosted by St Andrews Links Trust for amateurs of all ages and abilities in August, including the St Andrews Boys’ Open, remains in the diary at present.”

But they are subject to “continued monitoring and review,” he added.

“If there is any change in their status entrants will be contacted immediately,” said the spokesman.

The Links Trust also organises the St Andrews Junior Ladies’ Open, and the Eden and Strathtyrum Trophies every summer.

The organising committees of the two cancelled events – the St Andrews Links and St Rule Trophy – are committed to refunding all entry payments within 10-14 days.

“Entrants do not need to contact the tournament team in order to request a refund, these will be processed automatically via the original payment method,” said the trust spokesman.

•Entries for the 2020 Boys’ and Junior Ladies’ Open close in June. For details click here.

Allyn Dick, from Kingsfield Golf Club, who won the Eden Trophy in 2019. It was first played for back in 1919. Picture by ST ANDREWS LINKS TRUST

The post St Andrews Links Trophy will not be played in 2020 because of COVID-19 threat appeared first on Golf North.

Victor Perez, the Frenchman who lives in Dundee, shot an eight-under 64 at Kingsbarns, in the third round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

DUNDEE-based Frenchman Victor Perez and Essex’s Matthew Southgate will enter the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in a share of the lead, with both players chasing a maiden European Tour title.

The famous St Andrews Old Course will play host on the final day and with the wind set to kick up, it will be all to play for among the chasing pack which features Cheshire’s Paul Waring, American Ryder Cup player Tony Finau and former World No, 1 Luke Donald.

But Perez and Southgate are in pole position at the Home of Golf, as they sit atop the leaderboard with a two-stroke advantage on 20-under par.

And Southgate will be looking to write a piece of St Andrews history by becoming the first player to win the St Andrews Links Trophy – one of the top amateur trophies – and the Alfred Dunhill Links, one of the most prestigrious on the European Tour.

Perez, who lives with his partner in nearby Dundee will be vying for a first European Tour victory in his rookie season, having graduated from the European Challenge Tour last year.

The 27-year-old carded an eight-under 64 at Kingsbarns Golf Links which included a run of five successive birdies.

Perez said: “It was awesome. Bit windier today. Out of all the courses, we got a bit fortunate to play here today, being a bit wider off the tee. Maybe Carnoustie would have been the tougher course today.

“I played great and hit the ball really well. Felt like I made a couple of putts. I didn’t make any bombs out there or anything.

“Missed a short one on eight but the rest of the ball-striking was class today and I was really pleased with nine birdies again, obviously.”

Southgate, meanwhile, is making his 140^th appearance on Tour and the closest he has come was a share of second place at the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The 30-year-old signed for a seven-under 65 at the Old Course after finishing with a birdie at the ninth, his 18^th.

Matthew Southgate, who won the 2010 St Andrews Links – played over three rounds on the Old Course, and one at either the neighbouring New or Jubilee Courses, said: “I didn’t miss many shots and got the speed of the greens really good.

“I set up so many chances. I was always bound to make a good fistful of them. Not much you can say really. Just really solid all day.

“My swing feels very solid. I feel very happy in my own head at the minute and playing with such a clear mind and just easy swing thoughts.

“The biggest job tomorrow is going to be keeping me in check rather than the golf swing. I’m hitting the ball fantastic the first three days, so there’s no reason why I can’t shoot another good score.

“Someone is going to post a good number, so it’s going to take a good score to get the win.

“I’m so passionate about winning tournaments and being here at the Home of Golf, tomorrow is going to be a difficult one to just keep myself in check and keep producing what I have done the first three days.”

Waring, who grew up playing links golf at the Wirral, and won the 2005 English Amateur Championship at his home club Bromborough, said: “Anything under par around Carnoustie you always take – especially with quite a stiff breeze out there.

“Pleased to shoot as low as I did and get myself involved with the tournament.

“I think when I’m happy and I’m having fun, I feel like I’m at my best. So, this week kind of blends well into the two elements for me.

“If I get a little bit too into it, a little bit sort of too strict on myself, it can have negative effects, said 34-year-old Waring, whose first win came in last year’s Nordea Masters.

“When I’m bouncing around and having a laugh, it’s the true me. It’s showing this season how I’m playing. Enjoying myself a bit more.”

Finau said: “I was happy with the way I played. Missed a short one on 17, but outside of that I played really nicely.

“I thought it was tough. That front nine, every hole was into the wind. It was quite cool this morning when we teed off, so a lot of those holes played a lot harder than they normally do with the wind.

“I was happy to get around the front nine in a couple under and I was able to score on the back nine,” said Finau, whose only PGA Tour win came in Puerto Rico, three years ago.

“It’s very cool to be at the Home of Golf. The Old Course, there’s nothing like it. So, to be able to tee it up tomorrow and play and have a chance to win a golf tournament here is going to be something special,” added Finau.

For final round scores click here.

The post Southgate hopes to complete St Andrews double by adding the Dunhill to Links Trophy appeared first on Golf North.

Rory McIlroy desperately wants to win the Alfred Dunhilll Links at St Andrews as a 60th birthday present for dad Gerry. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

RORY McIlroy is hoping to put the icing on the cake of a perfect 60^th birthday present for his father by claiming a maiden Alfred Dunhill Links Championship title.

The Northern Irishman is playing alongside his dad Gerry in an event which has provided him many special memories – but not yet an elusive victory.

The famous pro-am event features a star-studded line-up in Scotland this week, with many of the world’s best golfers playing alongside celebrities, businessmen and women, and family members, over three stunning venues – St Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns Golf Links and Carnoustie Golf Links.

McIlroy is playing alongside his father for the third time in the pro-am event and, has finished runner-up on three occasions in the individual event.

Having also claimed his European Tour card for the first time at the age of 18 thanks to a third-place finish in 2007, the former World No. 1 is hoping to capitalise on his superb 2019 form by triumphing for the first time in his career at St Andrews.

In 2010, McIlroy, who lead The Open after a first round 63, was blown away in the second round of the Open as the wind helped the Old Course bare its teeth.

After an 80 which ultimately cost him a first Claret Jug as he had to settle for tied third, led to claims Rory did not enjoy playing in the wind despite his experiences as an amateur playing in Northern Ireland.

McIlroy, who has shot 17 out of 28 rounds in 60s in the Alfred Dunhill Links, in seven appearances, said: “I guess the history I’ve had at this tournament from getting my Tour card back in 2007 to having a few chances to win, and not quite getting the job done – it obviously would be really nice to win at St. Andrews at some point.

“I think, at this point in my career, I’m still trying to play well individually.¯

“But you know, I’m taking the team part of it almost just as serious as the individual part,” said the 2014 Open Champion, whose worst score in the Dunhill is a third round 78 in 2008, and has shot 65 or better three times in seven appearances in Fife.

“It’s my dad’s 60th birthday next week, and I said to him, what do you want for your birthday, and he said, I’d love to play the Dunhill one more time.

“This is his birthday present. His last hoorah, I think. Hopefully we have a good week and make it to Sunday.”

World No. 5 Jon Rahm will also make his debut in the tournament alongside his father, while World No. 4 Justin Rose will take to the tee alongside pop superstar Justin Timberlake.

Rose, who became the first Hampshire player to win the St Andrews Links Trophy, one of the most prestigious amateur events, back in 1997, said: “I have just good memories of being here, really.”

But after winning the European No. 1 crown in 2007, Rose returned from his new US base to play the Alfred Dunhill in 2008 – but has not returned since.

“I can’t believe it’s been 11 years,” Rose added. “It’s amazing how time flies but I’m excited.

“The little shift in the schedule and obviously with Wentworth being later in the year, FedEx Cup and all that stuff, it feels like it’s a really nice time of year to play here again. I’m excited to be back.

“It’s cool to be playing with Justin Timberlake. Obviously I’m quite happy to be another Justin on the golf course – that’s probably always the case, anyway, with Justin Thomas and the young kids around.

“I’m kind of used to it these days. It’s fun to be playing with him.”

Rahm played his first-ever professional round at St Andrews with his father on Wednesday.

Rahm said: “It’s great to be here. I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time, and it was really nice to share that moment with my parents and share this with my parents and my fiancée.

“I’m really looking forward to starting the tournament. St Andrews is great.

“Very different to all the other ones. One through 11, downwind, was really fun. Twelve through 18 into the wind was not!

“As simple as that. That’s the beauty of this golf course. On paper, it’s not the most difficult one, but it can be tough.

“Those last six holes, from 13 on, I hit five-iron into 13, hit driver, three-wood, six-iron into 14, and five-iron to 15, five-iron to 16, five-iron short on the 17th.

“I don’t think it can play more difficult than it did today, but a great golf course. You can just feel it’s a great atmosphere around this town related to golf,” the four-time European Tour winner added.

“It’s really fun to be here. I really love playing here and hopefully I can have a good showing.”

Meanwhile Danny Willett, returns to action just days after his remarkable BMW PGA Championship victory at Wentworth last week.P

Willett, who won the English Amateur title at Royal St George’s in 2007, said: “We had a little party last night and flew up this morning, so I’m slightly worse for wear.

“But you’ve got to enjoy the things when you have success, and I fly up now and hopefully the weather clears a little bit and we’ll play a little bit of golf this afternoon – kind of get your head back on for tomorrow and start again.

“It is great to be back here. It would be nice to get a good week under our belt, and then before a week off before a really busy end to the season.

“We’re here this week and will try and knuckle down and enjoy it for the week it is. Obviously having a great time with the pro-am guys and making sure they have a good time – and see what we can do.”

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(Dallas, Texas) – Toptracer, an extension of global sports and entertainment leader Topgolf Entertainment Group, is the the world’s leading ball-tracing technology revolutionising how fans watch and play golf, and has added the hallowed grounds of the Old Course at St Andrews to the list of world-class courses available to play in Toptracer Range’s ‘Virtual Golf’ mode.

Toptracer is committed to driving the future of golf through innovative technology that connects communities both on and off the course.

Toptracer develops on-screen solutions that show shot shape and data such as distance, ball speed, launch angle and height, to drive enhanced practice and entertainment options for a variety of audiences. Whether it’s transforming the golf viewing experience on more than 700 PGA and European TOUR telecasts this year during NBC, CBS and Sky Sports coverage or setting the new standard for practice through more than 170 driving ranges around the world that utilise Toptracer Range products, the technology offers golf fans of all skill levels both fun and insights to understand the game better.

Toptracer Range helps range owners transform their facilities into a modern and data-driven practice environment, while also catering to the general consumer as an entertainment destination. Toptracer Range utilises state-of-the-art technology to create an interactive and fun experience that is perfect for all skill levels, allowing friends and family to compete in a variety of games or play virtual golf on simulated, world-class golf courses. The Virtual Golf feature is a convenient way for beginners to play a single hole, the front 9, back 9, or all 18 holes in a low-pressure environment.

The Old Course at St Andrews is the latest world-renowned course to join a growing list of historic courses available through Toptracer Range’s Virtual Golf. Recognised worldwide as the Home of Golf, the Old Course at St Andrews boasts an unparalleled history. For more than 600 years the world’s most famous Links has been revered and celebrated for its rich heritage and the spirit and traditions of golf it has safeguarded and cherished for so long.

Now available as a premium course at Toptracer Range locations, the scenery and challenge of the Old Course at St Andrews can be experienced by players who possess a profile on the Toptracer Range Community app.

“The addition of the Old Course at St Andrews offers Toptracer Range owners a great opportunity to provide guests with the challenge of playing what is arguably the world’s most iconic golf course,” says Paul Williams, General Manager Europe at Toptracer. “We are committed to growing the game and with that comes making traditional golf accessible, so that casual or competitive golfers alike can experience the rich history of the original links style course at any of the hitting bays at Toptracer Range locations.”

“We are hugely proud of what the Old Course represents and symbolises to golfers around the world,” says Danny Campbell, Commercial Director St Andrews Links. “We are committed to harnessing the passion for this iconic place to engage with new audiences and grow the game. Making the Old Course available at Toptracer Ranges will ensure the Home of Golf is accessible to a new generation of golfers; providing a fun, engaging and tech-driven experience that appeals to seasoned players, friends, family, and first-time golfers alike.”

In addition, the 11th hole at the Old Course at St Andrews will be the new marquee hole in the ‘Closest to Pin’ competition, providing golfers the opportunity to experience a challenging Par 3 at the famous course.

Using cameras mounted around the facility and 21-inch monitors found at each hitting bay, Toptracer Range technology displays an array of details of each shot – including shape, distance, speed, launch angle and more. Data is instantly recorded and displayed on the screen through a player profile that can continuously be accessed through the Toptracer Range community application (free on iOS and Android).

For more information, visit Toptracer.com or follow Toptracer on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The post Toptracer Range Introduces Historic Old Course At St Andrews In Virtual Golf Mode appeared first on Golf North.

he majestic Sunningdale clubhouse where the 2020 Senior Open will be hosted the Staysure European Tour has announced. Picture by KEVIN DISS

SUNNINGDALE Golf Club will host The Senior Open for the third time when Europe’s only Senior Major Championship returns in 2020.

The Old Course at Sunningdale first hosted The Senior Open in 2009, when America’s Loren Roberts defeated compatriot Fred Funk and Ireland’s Mark McNulty in a play-off.

Another American, Marco Dawson, was triumphant when the Senior Major returned in 2015, finishing one stroke ahead of Bernhard Langer.

In addition to two Senior Opens, Sunningdale has also hosted the British Masters, the European Open, The Seve Trophy, The Walker Cup, AIG Women’s British Open and has been a qualifying venue for The Open.

The R&A’s executive director of championships Johnnie Cole-Hamilton said: “The Senior Open continues to grow in stature and Sunningdale will be an outstanding venue for the 2020 championship.

“The top senior players in the world will relish the challenge presented by the Old Course and we can look forward to an excellent week of world-class golf.”

The European Tour’s Staysure chief David MacLaren said: “We are very pleased to announce The Senior Open’s return to the incredible Old Course at Sunningdale.

“The Senior Open offers us the unique opportunity to visit both traditional Open-rota venues and other world-class golf courses in the British Isles.

“Sunningdale is consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the world, not just the United Kingdom, and we are all looking forward to returning next year.”

Among those who will be eligible to compete in their first Senior Opens are five-time Major Champion Phil Mickelson, 2003 US Open champion and 2018 USA Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk and 2003 Masters winner Mike Weir.

Nick Howe, chairman of Sunningdale’s tournament committee, said: ‘’We are delighted The Senior Open is returning to Sunningdale in 2020.

“It is the third time we will have held this prestigious event and we are very much looking forward to hosting the best senior golfers in the world and seeing how they navigate the challenges of The Old Course, now ranked the No. 1 course in England.’’

About The Senior Open

The Senior Open Presented by Rolex will return to Royal Lytham & St Annes for the first time since 1994 when the 33^rd edition of the Championship is staged from July 25-28.

Royal Lytham & St Annes hosted The Senior Open for four consecutive years from 1991-4.

Bobby Verwey, John Fourie, Bob Charles and Tom Wargo were the winners of Europe’s only Senior Major Championship on the Lancashire links during this time.

Royal Lytham & St Annes has hosted The Open on 11 occasions and hosted the Ricoh Women’s British Open in 2018.

Miguel Ángel Jiménez became the third consecutive European winner of The Senior Open after his one-stroke victory over defending champion Bernhard Langer on the Old Course at St Andrews in 2018.

Paul Broadhurst started the run of European victories at Carnoustie in 2016.

In 2017, Langer became the first golfer in history to win 10 Senior Major Championships, as he joined Gary Player and Tom Watson as the only three-time winners of the Senior Open Trophy with his victory at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales.

The Senior Open was introduced in 1987 at Turnberry in Ayrshire when Neil Coles, the former chairman of the board of directors of the PGA European Tour, won the inaugural title.

This led, two years later, to the formal inception of the European Senior Tour. In 2018, the Senior Tour was rebranded with Staysure becoming the first title sponsor of what is now known as the Staysure Tour.

The post Sunningdale Old to host Senior Open in 2020 appeared first on Golf North.