Bob Charles aiming to beat his age, 72,
every time he plays in tournament

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY PGA
Former Open champion Bob Charles will be a 'major' draw at this year's De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship.The New Zealander, who lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1963, will join Ryder Cup legends Sam Torrance and Costantino Rocca at Northumberland's De Vere Slaley Hall next month for the tournament which has a record prize fund of £300,000.
Charles, a winner of over 75 tournaments worldwide since turning professional in 1960 and the first left-hander to win a Major, is the oldest regular player on the Seniors Tour and at 72 remains a fierce competitor.
He proved that last year when securing second at the Wentworth Masters, while he showed the younger generation on the European Tour his class in December when he claimed a share of 23rd at the Michael Hill New Zealand Open, finishing ahead of Damien McGrane and Scott Strange who have since won European Tour titles.
On his four Seniors Tour appearances this season, Charles has finished no lower than 17th including a top-10 finish at the Wales Seniors Open.
Charles, who owns a farm in New Zealand, explained his motivation ahead of the tournament, which will be played for from August 21-24 and will see European Seniors Tour record holder Carl Mason defend his title.
"Many things keep me going, not one thing in particular," said Charles."I love the game of golf and I don't have any aches or pains. I'm in terrific shape for 72 years of age and I enjoy the competition.
"I aim to be competitive and my ambition now is to beat my age each round I play and to play consistent golf."
The PGA Seniors Championship is the oldest event on the European Seniors Tour, having been launched in 1957, and is one of only two 72-hole events on the schedule along with the Seniors Open.
Previous winners include six-time champion Christy O'Connor snr, four-time winner Neil Coles and former Open champions Max Faulkner, Peter Thomson and Kel Nagle.
This year's event will be staged over the Dave-Thomas designed Hunting Course and spectators interested in attending the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship can take advantage of a special 2 for 1 ticket offer.
Call the ticket hotline on 01675 477 812.
Slaley Hall has also put together a special Sunday/Monday package where golf fans can see the action on Championship Sunday, stay at the luxurious resort and then play the course in peak condition on the Monday.
For details call 01434 673 350.