Pros' Over-50s event for Torrance course, Fairmont St Andrews

Cleveland Golf and Srixon combine to

sponsor Scottish Senior Open in 2009

PRESS RELEASE
Srixon Sports Europe, the leading golf manufacturer, which operates both the Cleveland Golf & Srixon brands in the UK and Europe, has been named as the new title sponsor of the Scottish Senior Open for 2009 when the event returns to the Home of Golf.
The Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open will be held at the redesigned Torrance Course at Fairmont St Andrews from August 21 – 23.
The sponsorship agreement marks another illustrious chapter in the history of one of the European Senior Tour’s longest running events, which celebrates its 17th year in 2009.
It also strengthens the Senior Tour’s association with Cleveland Golf, the Official Club of the Senior Tour, and Srixon, the Official Ball Supplier to the Senior Tour.
Having resculpted the course earlier this year, designer Sam Torrance will be among those keen to perform well at Fairmont St Andrews and improve on his runner up place in 2008 behind Peter Mitchell, who sealed the second of his three Senior Tour victories in 2008 at the Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club.
Torrance, of course, won the Scottish Senior Open title in 2006, following in the footsteps of fellow Scots David Huish in 1998 and Bill Longmuir in 2004, but the 2002 Ryder Cup winning Captain is certain to have strong competition from what promises to be another impressive field.
Greg Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of Cleveland Golf and COB of Srixon Sports Europe, said: “We are extremely excited to become the title sponsor of the 2009 Scottish Senior Open. Our continued association and strong presence on the European Senior Tour is an important element of the marketing strategy for both Cleveland Golf and Srixon brands.
“Having this event moved to the Home of Golf, St Andrews, helps greatly to achieve our intention of developing the Scottish Senior Open into one of the most important senior tournaments in all of golf in the coming years.”
Leslie Hepsworth, Chief Executive Officer of Srixon Sports Europe, said: “Within Europe we have very big plans for both Cleveland and Srixon brands over the coming years and this highlights a small part of our increased marketing and Tour spends to get to our goal of becoming the UK's Number One ball and wedge brand.
“The Senior Tour events are becoming increasingly popular with consumers and Tour players alike, the chosen venue is second to none and I have no doubt the event will be a major success for all concerned.”
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “We are delighted to have Cleveland Golf/Srixon as title sponsors of the Scottish Senior Open. It is a major coup for us to have such a renowned golf manufacturer onboard for what is one of our longest running events on the European Senior Tour.
“It shows the developing relationship of Cleveland Golf/Srixon with the Senior Tour and we look forward to a superb Scottish Senior Open over the Torrance Course at Fairmont St Andrews. We would also like to convey our thanks to the Management at Fairmont St Andrews for agreeing to host the tournament and to EventScotland for their on-going support of golf in Scotland.”
Charles Head, General Manager of Fairmont St Andrews, said: "I am delighted that the Scottish Senior Open is coming to Fairmont St Andrews. This is an iconic event with some of the most recognised and revered names in golf participating.
“After a £17 million investment in both our championship courses and hotel, it is wonderful to see such a prestigious European Senior Tour event coming to the Torrance Course. There are dramatic storylines and synergies associated with this; not the least of which is Sam Torrance challenging for the Scottish Senior Open title on his very first course design.
"The Torrance is one of the finest new courses in Scotland, and already recognised as an Open Qualifying Course when The Open Championship returns to the Home of Golf in 2010. We look forward to welcoming both players and officials alike to our hotel in August 2009."