Past champion Paul Broadhurst is the latest big name to confirm for the Scottish Senior Open at Renaissance Club, East Lothian, from August 4-6.
Broadhurst, who claimed the title on his European Senior Tour debut in 2015 only 15 days after his 50th birthday, is one of four Major Champions from the Regular and Senior Tours to compete in the event.
Other Major winners are Welshman Ian Woosnam, who in 1991 slipped on the Green Jacket as Masters Champion at Augusta National, Roger Chapman and Mark McNulty.
England’s Chapman triumphed in back-to-back Senior Majors in the United States in 2012 while Ireland’s McNulty won the Regions Tradition in the USA in 2007.
Broadhurst, who beat Austria’s Gordon Manson in a play-off to win at Archerfield Links two years ago, is relishing a return to the tournament which began in 1993 and reaches its 25th milestone next month.
He said: “I have fond recollections of 2015. Winning on my debut as a Senior – my first title for nine years – kick-started my career again.
“The Scottish Senior Open has been a very important stepping stone in what I’ve achieved since then.”
The reigning Senior Open Champion added: “I had 18 holes there six years ago when I was working with coach Gary Nicol. We played the course and my lasting memory is just how long and tricky it was from the back tees in the windy conditions that day.
“I recall several of the holes clearly and I’ve heard that the new ones are spectacular.”
Woosnam is one of three Ryder Cup captains in the field, along with Scotland’s Sam Torrance and Mark James of England.
In all, 13 Ryder Cup players have entered the event, where the first 36 holes will be contested in the Alliance Pro-Am format (amateur players 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.
Also in the high-quality field is Renaissance Club’s touring pro, Ronan Rafferty of Northern Ireland, a former winner of the European Tour Order of Merit.
Past champions Broadhurst and Torrance are joined by four other previous winners of the Scottish Senior Open and defending champion, Paul Eales of England.
Torrance was the last ‘home’ winner of the tournament 11 years ago and he is joined in the quest for another Scottish success by Andrew Oldcorn, Stephen McAllister, Gary Orr and Gordon Brand Jnr.
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 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.
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