In a golf event that promises to be nothing short of spectacular, four legendary Ryder Cup Captains—Thomas Bjørn, Paul McGinley, Tom Lehman, and Ian Woosnam—are set to bring their wealth of experience and charisma to the Senior Open Presented by Rolex.
This grand tournament will unfold at the iconic Carnoustie Golf Links from July 25-28, 2024, drawing a crowd of golf enthusiasts eager to witness the clash of these titans.
Carnoustie, revered as one of the most challenging courses in the world, will see a gathering of former captains who have all carved their names into Ryder Cup history through illustrious playing and leadership careers.
Joining an already star-studded field brimming with Major Champions and Ryder Cup veterans, these four captains are sure to add an extra layer of excitement to Europe’s premier Senior Major Championship.
Thomas Bjørn, hailed as Denmark’s most successful golfer with 15 DP World Tour wins and two Legends Tour victories, is set to make his third appearance at the Senior Open.
Despite missing last year’s event due to injury, Bjørn is eager to return to the Scottish greens.
“I love playing golf in Scotland and I can’t wait to get to Carnoustie in a few weeks’ time for the Senior Open,” he said.
“I missed a period last season through injury so was unable to play in last year’s Championship, so I’m itching to experience the magic of the event again.”
Paul McGinley, who famously led Team Europe to victory at Gleneagles in 2014, is equally enthusiastic about the tournament.
Known for his strategic mind and love of links golf, McGinley is ready to face the challenge Carnoustie presents.
“I spend most of my time doing media work these days but I still love getting the opportunity to play in the Senior Majors when I can,” McGinley said.
“Carnoustie is a world-class golf course and we are so lucky to get the chance to play it, so I know all the players will be looking forward to the week and I’m no different.”
Tom Lehman, the 1996 Open Champion at Royal Lytham & St Annes and former U.S. Ryder Cup Captain, has consistently performed well at the Senior Open, finishing in the top 20 in his previous appearances at Carnoustie.
Now, at 65, he has his sights set on making history as the oldest Senior Major Champion.
“I’ve always said I’d love to win this Championship,” Lehman remarked. “Winning any Major is awesome but this one just feels so special, with the history behind it and the guys who have won it in the past.
I know just how passionate golf fans in Scotland and it’s going to be great to play in front of them again. Hopefully the weather holds out and everyone has an enjoyable week.”
Ian Woosnam, Wales’ most celebrated golfer with 52 professional wins and a memorable Masters victory, is also looking forward to competing at Carnoustie.
With a strong track record at the Senior Open, Woosnam is no stranger to the rigours of links golf.
“Every time I play Carnoustie it feels really tough and it’s going to be a challenge again,” Woosnam said. “I always enjoy playing there and have had a few good rounds in the past, finishing in the top ten back in 2010.
You have to keep the ball lower in the conditions we face at Carnoustie. You can hit it high all day long but if you want to play in a coastal wind on a links course in Britain then you need to think about getting the ball back in your stance and keeping it down.”
This edition of the Senior Open marks the third time Carnoustie has hosted the event, with previous winners including the legendary Bernhard Langer in 2010 and Paul Broadhurst in 2016.
Fans can secure their tickets now, with prices starting at £15 for adults and £7.50 for youths aged 16-24, while tickets for under-16s are free with a paid ticket.
With a limited number of tickets available, enthusiasts are encouraged to act quickly to avoid missing out on this extraordinary event.
