DUNBAR NAMED AS QUALIFYING
COURSE FOR SENIOR BRITISH OPEN

The European Seniors Tour and the R&A have today confirmed the final qualifying venue for the 2007 Senior British Open championship, presented by Aberdeen Asset Management, which is to take place at Muirfield for the first time from July 26 to 29.
Dunbar Golf Club joins the previously announced Craigielaw and North Berwick golf clubs as the third qualifying course for the 21st edition of the championship, which is expected to herald the over-50s debut of six-time Major winner Nick Faldo.
Faldo won two of his three Open titles at Muirfield - beating Paul Azinger and Rodger Davis by a stroke in 1987, before holding off John Cook five years later – and the Englishman is eligible to make his debut in the 2007 Senior version of the championship as he turns 50 in the week prior to the event.
While Faldo would be exempt to play at Muirfield, others will be required to qualify at either Dunbar, Craigielaw or North Berwick.
Dunbar, designed by Old Tom Morris around 1850, is a breathtaking links course stretching along the estuary of the Firth of Forth. The 6,404yd lay-out has previously hosted Open qualifying as well as all the major Scottish championships.
David Hill, Director of Championships at The R&A, commented: “The addition of Dunbar Golf Club completes a high quality triumvirate of qualifying courses and is further evidence of the huge appeal of The Senior British Open Championship, presented by Aberdeen Asset Management.
“This year, a record number of 302 took part in qualifying and we expect a similar level of take up next July, when the East Coast of Scotland will become the focus of the golfing world. The Open Championship is being played at Carnoustie the week before the Senior British Open Championship makes its first visit to Muirfield, producing massive enjoyment for golf fans and considerable economic benefits for the surrounding communities.”
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Seniors Tour, said: “Last July’s event at The Westin Turnberry Resort, won by Loren Roberts, was the first to employ three qualifying venues due to the huge level of interest internationally in The Senior British Open Championship, presented by Aberdeen Asset Management – a trend which is certain to continue with the likes of Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Mark O’Meara, Nick Price, Wayne Grady and Costantino Rocca, among others, all turning 50 in time to play at Muirfield.”