The Thai Airways Senior Open Golf Championship returns to Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club on Saturday April 23 with all to play.

Now in its third edition, the competition has gone from strength to strength and this year’s will be no different.

Played in an 18-hole stableford format, players must be aged 50 and above and hold a valid handicap.

“This is one of our best tournaments that we hold at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club,” said Mark Ruddy, golf events manager at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club.

“This is the third one we will host the Senior Open. Last year’s was a huge success and it was oversubscribed.

“At the moment we have around 30 players signed up. That is a good number but we expect that to grow in the coming weeks. We find that registrations start to come in more towards the nearer the start of the tournament.”

Entry fees varies between Dh155 and Dh475 with the competition open to visitors, EGF members and professionals. Additionally, for Dh725 – the Preparation Pass, players can get unlimited golf course and academy access until Thursday.

The 2015 Thai Airways Senior Open champion Yangho Kim (3rd r).

 

Besides the main trophy, there’s plenty to play for. Not only are the runners-up and third-placed golfers rewarded, there’s individual prizes with accolades for Best Lady, Best Gross and Best Super Senior (60 and above).

With a few weeks remaining, Ruddy insists those wishing to be part of the 56-person field, to sign up now. “It will be a great day. Last year we had players from more than five different clubs and we hope more clubs in the UAE are represented this time around,” he said.

“It’s a friendly competition and people are competing each other. It’s a great way to meet new people.”

And the golfers will have no complaints of the greens.

“We’ve just hosted the Sharjah Senior Invitational Pro Am and the course is in the best condition it’s been since the eight years we’ve been open,” he said.

“The greens will be in great condition and we’ve redone all our bunkers and the course is at its best as it’s ever has been.”

What: Third Thai Airways Senior Open Golf Championship
Where: Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club
When: Saturday, April 23. Shotgun at 13:30
Contact: For registration visit www.golfandshootingshj.com