Ageing golf stars shine on region

Jun 25 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

WHERE were you in 1985 when Sam Torrance rolled in the winning putt to clinch the Ryder Cup for Europe. For that matter, how about 1991 when Ian Woosnam took the Masters title in Augusta. Or Sandy Lyle’s dramatic win at The Open in 1985.

These are golfing feats from a good few years ago, but the personalities behind them are still going strong and entertaining crowds across the globe.

And there is every chance you could be watching them in action in the near future at the De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship.

They are three out of a number of past champions that could be teeing up for a chance to win a share of the £300,000 prize pot for conquering the Hunting Course at the De Vere Slaley Hall in Northumberland from August 21 to 24 this year.

The PGA European Seniors tour is set to descend on the region, and everyone will be praying the golden globe in the sky is on full display.

While this is all good news for the players’ bank accounts, it is also pretty special for the North East as a whole. Not only do sporting events such as these attract considerable revenue to the region, they also shine an international spotlight on some of the greatest assets that we possess.

In a year when major sporting events are pretty thin on the ground – the Twenty20 cricket against South Africa and the incredible limited overs match against New Zealand aside – it is important that people in the region get behind the Seniors visit and use it to celebrate both golf and business champions.

The Seve Trophy came to Wynyard in 2005 and was a fantastic success – although it was unfortunate that the weather was not so kind.

When you are a resident in God’s Country, you know it is second to none for places to live, work and enjoy – let’s hope the weather captures it in its finest light.

James Ramsbotham is NECC chief executive