See The Scottish Senior Open For Free This August
The Scottish Senior Open, one of the most enduring events on the European Senior Tour, celebrates its 25th anniversary this summer – and admission for spectators in 2017 will be free of charge.
Some of the leading names in European senior golf, including past Ryder Cup captains, are set to play at the spectacular Renaissance Club, situated between Gullane and North Berwick in the heart of Scotland’s Golf Coast.
That impressive stretch of East Lothian golfing territory will be hosting the event for the third successive year, from August 4-6, with the first 36 holes contested over the popular Alliance Pro-Am format where amateur players are paired with a professional.
The final round on Sunday, August 6 will be for pros only, with the winner taking home a cheque for £37,500 from the prize fund of £250,000.
Entrance to the only European Tour event in the Lothians region in 2017 will be free to everyone, with a nominal charge being made for car parking, situated just a short walk from the first tee and 18th at the internationally-acclaimed Tom Doak-designed course.
Cars with solo occupancy will be charged £5 per day, while vehicles with one or more passenger will pay £10. All proceeds will be donated to the official event charity, which will be determined at a later date.
Sponsorship opportunities, including information on securing a place in the Alliance Pro-Am, are currently available for this year’s Scottish Senior Open. For all enquiries, email info.senior@europeantour.com
The impressive venue, situated between Gullane and North Berwick, is easily accessed by road and rail, with a regular train service between North Berwick and Edinburgh and bus stops outside the venue on the A198.
The Scottish Senior Open was first played at Royal Aberdeen in 1993 and has been contested every year subsequently. Tommy Horton, the inaugural winner, and Barry Lane in 2010 and 2011, are the only players to have won the title more than once. Europe’s winning Ryder Cup captain, Sam Torrance, will be attempting to add to his 2006 victory while England’s Paul Eales, who triumphed at close-by Archerfield Links in 2016, will defend his title.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events with VisitScotland said: “Scotland is the Home of Golf with a proud history of hosting the game’s biggest tournaments and we are delighted to once again be supporting the Scottish Senior Open. The stunning East Lothian coastline will provide a fitting backdrop to the event and with free entry we hope that strong crowds will turn out to support some of the biggest names in senior golf on Scotland’s Golf Coast.”
John McMillan, East Lothian Council Provost and Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism, said: “To host the Scottish Senior Open on the occasion of its 25th anniversary is a real honour for East Lothian.
“The Renaissance Club is, of course, one of the newer jewels in the crown of Scotland’s Golf Coast and has further enhanced our global reputation for having a mix of beautiful and challenging courses.
“With spectator admission being free of charge we are hopeful that an even bigger crowd will be drawn to the event. And with so much else to see and do on the venue’s doorstep, visitors can be sure of a warm welcome while sampling the delights and hospitality of East Lothian.”
David MacLaren, Head of the European Senior Tour, said: “We are delighted to offer free admission to the Scottish golfing public this August. Renaissance Club is a wonderful venue and the event promises a great inside-the-ropes experience for the amateurs taking part, while the 25th anniversary edition of the Scottish Senior Open promises great action and excitement.”