Legends Tour

Donaldson Reigns In Spain After Dramatic Final Round

Ted Odorico November 9, 2025

Tours and Events

Ryder Cup star Jamie Donaldson is now a winner on the Legends Tour after overcoming a four-shot deficit to claim the Champions UK plc Senior European Masters hosted by Peter Baker.

Playing in just his second tournament after turning 50 over the summer, the Welshman – a three-time winner on the DP World Tour – shot a superb closing 67 at La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain, to finish at -11 and edge out Mikael Lundberg, Thomas Gögele and Van Phillips.

Overnight leader Michael Campbell faded on the back-nine with a series of untimely bogeys and finished in a tie for fifth place at -8 alongside defending champion Simon Griffiths and fellow Englishman Matt Cort.

Swedish Ryder Cup duo Jarmo Sandelin and Joakim Haeggman, along with Adilson da Silva and Dutchman Maarten Lafeber – who matched Donaldson’s low round of 67 – were a shot further back at -7.

“It’s fantastic,” said Donaldson afterwards. “I’ve had a great week and it was nice to play so well today and birdie the last to pip them to it. The plan all week was to take advantage of the par-fives, get through the par-threes and pick up shots where I can on the fours. I did that perfectly today. I was really happy with the way I played.

“Early in the round I wasn’t trying to push too much, just wanted to let it happen. I tried to stay calm and stick to the plan of just hitting fairways and know I’ll have chances and that’s what I did. I got off to a strong start, and then it kind of snowballed in my direction as I made more birdies around the turn.

“I’m really pleased to have finished so strongly, and although it’s a shame I bogeyed 17, I bounced back really well with a great drive on 18 and then a solid 5-iron into the heart of the green. I hit a terrible first putt but luckily the pace was good and I got to -11.

“I played Italy and finished 17th, and I remember thinking that it was quite difficult because there’s so many guys out here that may not hit the ball as long as guys on the DP World Tour but they still play really, really good golf, and they’re very, very good at scoring. The scoring in Italy was really good and I knew I’d have to play some golf if I want to win tournaments out here. Luckily, I managed to do that this week.”

Starting at five-under, the 2014 Ryder Cup player was quickly out of the blocks with three birdies in his first six holes to close to within one as former US Open champion Campbell faltered. Another at the 10^th – as Campbell bogeyed – gave him a share of the lead as the tension ratcheted up. A stirring finish, with superb birdies at 16 and 18, catapulted him into the clubhouse lead at -11.

Germany’s Gögele had earlier seized an opportunity to take the lead himself with three front-nine birdies of his own and it soon became a straight fight with Donaldson for the title. Standing on the 17^th Gögele held the lead at -11 but like Donaldson he bogeyed the par-three and was left needing to birdie the reachable par-five to force a play-off. Unfortunately his tee shot caught the wind and found water, and although he scrambled a par it left him a shot adrift of the clubhouse lead.

Gögele was joined at -10 by the form player of the last three months, Mikael Lundberg, who knocked a 235-yard 3-wood to a foot for a tap-in eagle at the last. The Swede has finished in the top-10 in seven of his last nine outings and a victory certainly feels imminent. Van Phillips also surged to -10 with birdies at 17 and 18 to cap another solid week for the Englishman.

“That was a tough week,” said Phillips. “It was very windy and the greens are really difficult but I’ve played really solidly and I’m really happy. I didn’t quite get the momentum today but I’ve had a strong finish and I’ve got to be happy with that. I’ve had some close calls in recent months and some really disappointing Sundays, so it was nice to shoot a proper score on a Sunday.”

The Legends Tour now moves on to Asia with the Vattanac Legends in Cambodia taking place in two weeks’ time.

Jamie Donaldson tees of in round three at La Manga Club

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

Media accreditation and further information contact press@legendstour.com

ABOUT THE LEGENDS TOUR

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are among the winners of the John Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events. These experiences provide golfers with unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world. In September 2020, Ryan Howsam, Staysure Group CEO, acquired a majority equity share in the Tour in a ground-breaking joint venture with the European Tour, a unique structure whereby an individual has the majority ownership in a professional tour.

Langer cruises to Legends Tour victory

Ted Odorico September 30, 2025

Tours and Events

Langer Masterclass Secures Victory at WINSTONgolf Senior Open

Bernhard Langer rolled back the years with an imperious performance to win the WINSTONgolf Senior Open in front of home fans in Vorbeck, Germany.

The 68-year-old German carded a final-round 66 – the third consecutive day he’s broken his age – to reach 21-under-par and close out an emphatic six-shot victory over Sweden’s Patrik Sjölund. Matthew Cort finished third at -14, with former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker a further shot back in fourth. Paul Streeter and Michael Jonzon shared fifth place at -12.

One of the longest-running events on the Legends Tour, the WINSTONgolf Senior Open is a favourite among the players, and the addition of Ryder Cup legend and two-time Masters champion Langer for 2025 further elevated the tournament.

Having opened with a spectacular 10-under-par 62, the home favourite backed it up with rounds of 67 and 66 to cruise to a first victory on the Legends Tour since he edged out Ian Woosnam at the 2008 Casa Serena Open in the Czech Republic.

“It’s awesome to win, especially here at WINSTONgolf, because I’ve been their ambassador for some time and I’ve come close to winning on a number of occasions,” said Langer. “So it’s a wonderful feeling to have finally won on this beautiful golf course, against a very good field. And it’s always great to win. It’s my first victory since I turned 68, so hopefully not the last one. But it’s fantastic to win at home in Germany and especially on the Legends Tour.”

Bernhard Langer at the 2025 WINSTONgolf Senior Open

Langer began the day five shots clear of Jonzon and was immediately on the offensive once again, with a superb run of four consecutive birdies from the third effectively extinguishing any hope the chasing pack might have had. A further three-in-a-row from the 10^th onwards – which took him to a remarkable 23 birdies from just 48 holes played – enabled the German to enjoy a back-nine stroll.

“The last couple of weeks I’ve struggled a bit and was not at the top of my game, but the putter got hot this week and that’s where the score comes from,” Langer added. “Today I was just trying to put the pedal down and keep making birdies to increase my lead and not give any of them a sniff, which I was able to do. The last six holes, I just played very safe to make sure I brought it home. No chances, no risk.

“It’s always fun just playing golf and especially competitive golf. I still enjoy it. I take a few more breaks, a few more rests, but most of the time when I’m out here, I have a great time. The secret to longevity is not one thing, it’s a lot of things. You need good genes from your parents. But it’s also hard work, dedication and enough sleep. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke. All of that probably helps. And I have a great team around me from my coach to my caddie to my brother manager, and on and on.”

Matt Cort, in his debut season, is battling it out with the likes of Stephen Gallacher and Darren Fichardt for the Barry Lane Rookie of the Year award. And after finishing solo third in Germany, is now looking up rather than worrying about finishing top-20 in the Order of Merit in order to retain his playing rights for next season.

“Really good week for me,” said Cort after rounds of 68, 67 and 67. “It’s the first time I’ve been here and the course has grown on me as the week has gone on. I’ve had a good year so far, with a second in China and then fourth in Spain. I know I’ve got to play well to keep my card so that was on my mind, but with this result hopefully that’s now taken care of, which is great.

“Bernhard is so inspirational. The score he’s managed over three rounds is amazing because the course isn’t a pushover. I would have loved playing with him today, but maybe that worked out in my favour, because there were big crowds out watching and I was in the group ahead doing my thing. But to see him compete and still win at his age is amazing. I know he’s a class player, but it’s really great for the sport and it keeps you going.”

Elsewhere, Peter Baker made up some ground on Keith Horne in the season-long Order of Merit with his fourth-place finish. Both men are some way behind Scott Hend, however, with the Australian enjoying a commanding lead at the top of the rankings.

Paul Streeter and Michael Jonzon, meanwhile, both recorded their best finishes of the season in tying for 5^th place.

The Legends Tour now moves on to Puglia, Italy for the Sergio Melpignano Senior Italian Open on October 23^rd– 25^th. Free tickets and information about playing experiences can be found on the Legends Tour website.

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

ABOUT THE LEGENDS TOUR

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are among the winners of the John Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events. These experiences provide golfers with unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world. In September 2020, Ryan Howsam, Staysure Group CEO, acquired a majority equity share in the Tour in a ground-breaking joint venture with the European Tour, a unique structure whereby an individual has the majority ownership in a professional tour.

Press release & images by Legends Tour

Hend wins European Legends Cup

Ted Odorico September 8, 2025

Tours and Events

HEND REIGNS IN SPAIN AFTER EUROPEAN LEGENDS CUP WIN

Scott Hend has won the European Legends Cup, hosted by José María Olazábal, by two shots after holding off the challenge of Adilson Da Silva and Stephen Gallacher at Basozábal in Northern Spain.

The Australian’s final-round 67 and -16 total was good enough for a third Legends Tour title and a commanding lead in the 2025 Order of Merit.

“It feels great to win – every win is a great thing,” said Hend, who claimed victory at the Barbados Legends, hosted by Ian Woosnam, earlier in the year. “At the start of the day I had in my mind that if I went out and shot four-under then it would be very hard for the guys behind to catch me. I felt I was playing pretty boring golf out there, not going for many pins, just trying to make lots of pars. Credit to Alan, my caddie – we had a gameplan out there and we stuck to it.

“I flushed it down the first and knew that Adi was three behind me – so I knew that if I could shoot four-under he would have to play exceptionally well to catch me. It was nice to birdie 15, 16 and 17 to put a bit of space between him and myself. It was a really good stretch there and I said to Alan that I’ve never been able to walk down 18 with a four-shot lead, so that was nice to do.”

Brazilian Da Silva, who won this event 12 months ago, birdied the last to card a bogey-free 66, close to within two and secure second place, but once Hend had rattled off three birdies in a row in the middle of the back nine the result was never really in doubt.

Scotland’s Gallacher – the only player in the field to card three rounds in the 60s – eagled the fifth and added further birdies at the 6^th, 8^th, 10^th and 13^thto get to -12. But the 2014 Ryder Cup player was unable to find the putts needed to apply more pressure to Hend and had to settle for third place as he seeks a maiden Legends Tour win in his first season.

Having opened with a two-under-par 70 and followed it up with a course-record 63 on day two, Hend started the day with a three-shot lead and was the clear favourite going into the final round.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing early on as the lead was trimmed to just one at the turn as Da Silva made his move. “For a moment there I felt like I was right in it,” said the Brazilian after a flawless 66 and a 14-under total. “I birdied number eight and was thinking that the 9^th, 10^th and 11^th are good birdie opportunities, but I let myself down a bit on that stretch. I only had gap wedge on nine, sand wedge on 10 and 11 was also close – but I didn’t birdie any of them and that was my chance.”

As Da Silva’s challenge faded, Hend quickly responded, reasserting his authority after the turn with a booming drive just short of the green at 10 that was followed by a deft chip and a short putt for a birdie three. A pin-point approach at 15 was followed by another laser iron at the par-3 16^thand victory was all but assured as his rivals failed to match his back-nine birdies.

Tournament host, José María Olazábal, who despite carrying a shoulder injury that at one stage threatened his participation in the event, finished T15 after shooting 68-68 over the weekend.

José María Olazábal on the 18th green in round three of the European Legends Cup

The man himself was delighted with both his day’s work and the week as a whole. “It wasn’t pretty, but I fought hard and managed to put together a solid round. There were not many putts because I didn’t play well and missed a lot of greens, but in the end I got through the round without making a single bogey.

“What I’m most happy and satisfied about is that we’ve been able to bring a tournament of this calibre to Gipuzkoa, to Basozábal in this case. There’s been a huge effort from so many people, and everyone has been pleasantly surprised by the course and how everything has gone. So I’m very satisfied.”

Elsewhere, Jyoti Randhawa matched Da Silva’s low round of the day – a sparkling 66 – to secure 4th place on -9, helped in no small part by a hole-out two on the 9^th. “The pin was left, and you don’t want to go left. But the caddie told me there was a slope so I thought I’d go for the pin. I pulled it a bit, it landed in the fringe, spun a bit and it came down and went in. It was a beautiful shot.”

Simon Khan finished fifth at -8, alongside Dutchman Maarten Lafeber – it was the Englishman’s fourth top-10 of the season. Greg Owen, Phillip Price, Emanuele Canonica, Matthew Cort, James Kingston and Mikael Lundberg tied for seventh at -7.

The Legends Tour now moves on to Germany in two weeks’ time for the WINSTONgolf Senior Open near Hamburg. Van Phillips won the event in 2024, beating Adilson da Silva and Phillip Archer in a play-off.

For more information visit www.legendstour.com

ABOUT THE LEGENDS TOUR

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are among the winners of the John Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events. These experiences provide golfers with unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world. In September 2020, Ryan Howsam, Staysure Group CEO, acquired a majority equity share in the Tour in a ground-breaking joint venture with the European Tour, a unique structure whereby an individual has the majority ownership in a professional tour.

Brier ends drought with NI Legends victory

Ted Odorico September 1, 2025

Tours and Events

GRITTY BRIER OVERCOMES ELEMENTS TO WIN BLACK DESERT NI LEGEND

Markus Brier has won the Black Desert NI Legends at Galgorm, holding his nerve in strong winds on the final day to claim a first Legends Tour victory since 2021.

Rounds of 65, 69 and 70 saw him finish at -12, two clear of Sweden’s Mikael Lundberg, with Lionel Alexandre and Phillip Price a further shot back at -9. Steve Webster – a winner last week at the Grass & Co. English Legends – birdied the last two holes to secure a solo 5^th place finish.

Mikael Lundberg finished second at the Black Desert NI Legends

After a number of years struggling to find his game, two-time DP World Tour winner Brier was delighted to be back in the winner’s circle after a masterclass in course management and shotmaking. “I’m so happy. The last two years were not what I wanted so to come back like this in Northern Ireland just feels so good,” said the Austrian.

“The first couple of holes I hit a few really good shots, so that gave me some confidence. And then I just kept holing putts like I did all week. You need a bit of luck to win and I had a few lip ins. I got a bit shaky at the end but I haven’t won for four years so I’m just happy that it was enough.”

Having begun the day at -10, two clear of Lundberg and three clear of Simon Griffiths, the Austrian birdied the second as his playing partners faltered, with both dropping shots at the first.

But it was far from a formality for Brier on the front nine as the wind picked up, and he was forced to rely on his short-game skills on holes 6, 7 and 8 to save par and maintain his forward momentum.

A comfortable birdie on the 9^th then took him five clear, after a stunning 5-iron to 20ft on the par-five, but once again he was unable relax as Lionel Alexandre – who had just eagled both the 9^th and 10^th – birdied the 12^th to reach -10.

But as he has done so often this week, Brier again showed great resilience to produce two moments of magic at a time when they were most needed. A pin-point approach on the par-3 14^th set up a tap-in birdie, and he followed that with another cracking iron shot on 15 that yielded another birdie and propelled him towards victory.

“Those birdies were big because some of the guys reached -10, so although I was playing well I knew I had to hit some really good shots,” said Brier. “So that was great to make those and have a few shots in hand for the last three holes.

“Winning again means everything to me. We’re out here to win, and if you haven’t won and not even been in contention for years, it’s hard. But it’s what I work for and I now know that I’m on the right path and I hope I can keep it going. I’ve found something with my swing and now I have confidence with the putter as well.”

Sweden’s Lundberg was left to rue three front-nine bogeys as he finished two adrift of Brier, and although he did manage to apply some pressure with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach -10 it was never quite enough. Solo second does at least lift him up to seventh on the Order of Merit, with victory seeing Brier rise to 12^th. Australia’s Scott Hend still leads from Keith Horne, with 2023 winner Peter Baker now third.

Lionel Alexandre, who needs a top-20 finish in the Order of Merit to secure his card for next year is now 22^nd, having recorded a first top-five since he went T4 and T3 in the two events of the season. “I was not expecting that,” he said afterwards. “I knew I was playing well, but my putting was not there. So I tried to be a bit more focused on the pace of the greens and it seems to work. It was a good day today. I’m used to playing in the wind so I just tried to keep the ball in play and take it shot by shot. I’m happy to birdie 18 and we move on. Hopefully next week is going to be as good as this one.”

Earlier in the week, 16 young elite amateurs from Northern Ireland took part in the Legends Tour’s Future Legends, presented by Black Desert Resort. After two rounds playing alongside Legends Tour professionals, 13-year-old Parker Bonnes – a member at Galgorm – claimed victory with an impressive 81 stableford points.

The Legends Tour now moves on to San Sebastian in Spain for the European Legends Cup, hosted by José María Olazábal.

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

For media accreditation and further information contact press@legendstour.com

ABOUT THE LEGENDS TOUR

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are among the winners of the John Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events. These experiences provide golfers with unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world. In September 2020, Ryan Howsam, Staysure Group CEO, acquired a majority equity share in the Tour in a ground-breaking joint venture with the European Tour, a unique structure whereby an individual has the majority ownership in a professional tour.

ABOUT GALGORM

Galgorm is Northern Ireland’s premier luxury resort, golf and spa destination, set in 450 acres of lush parkland and situated 30 minutes from Belfast and close to both Belfast airports. Galgorm is part of Galgorm Collection, a unique collection of hotels with award-winning spas, two golf clubs and two city-centre restaurants situated throughout Northern Ireland. The championship Castle Course at Galgorm is one of Ireland’s standout tournament venues and in 2025 will host its 20th professional event with the new Black Desert NI Legends event on the Legends Tour. Galgorm hosted the 2020 Irish Open, four World Invitationals and 14 NI Opens. The par-72 parkland course offers an idyllic golf experience for golfers of all levels. For more information please visit www.galgorm.com/

ABOUT BLACK DESERT

Set amidst the vermillion sandstone cliffs and striking black lava beds of Greater Zion, Black Desert Resort is poised to become a premier destination for luxury hospitality, golf, and Southern Utah adventure. Black Desert Resort is anchored by a Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, which will host annual events on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. The initial phase of the Resort Center is set to be complete this September, including nearly 800 rooms and suites, seven dining venues, a 15,000-square-foot spa, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, beach oasis, and 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. Future phases will include a water park, more rooms and suites, and many more dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Spanning over 600 acres of scenic landscape, Black Desert Resort offers easy access to 200+ acres of preserved land and six miles of hiking trails. To learn more, visit www.blackdesertresort.com

Van Pelt wins Staysure PGA Seniors Championship

Ted Odorico August 4, 2025

Tours and Events

VAN PELT WINS PLAY-OFF TO CLAIM STAYSURE PGA SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP

After four grueling days at Trump International it was Bo Van Pelt who emerged victorious at the Legends Tour’s flagship event, the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship hosted by Colin Montgomerie, after a play-off with South Africa’s Darren Fichardt.

The pair were locked at -3 for the week – the only two players under par as strong winds produced extremely challenging playing conditions. Van Pelt had enjoyed a three-shot lead at one point in the middle of the back nine, but the gritty Fichardt kept battling as the American faltered and drew level with three to play. Nothing could separate the two over the closing holes as they both sought a first Legends Tour win and a dramatic play-off ensued.

Bo Van Pelt off the tee on the 1st hole day four of the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship

Both players crashed superb drives down the par-five 18^th. Van Pelt was then first to play, hitting a majestic fairway wood from more than 260 yards to the middle of the green, while Fichardt seemed to injure his wrist as he struck his approach and found a deep fairway bunker. In taking two more to get to the green, his chance was lost and Van Pelt two putted for birdie and the win.

Having claimed the oldest senior championship in world golf, Van Pelt said: “It means a lot to me, it’s been a long road back and I can’t thank the Legends Tour enough. My first event at Costa Navarino was great and this was too. I’ve been playing pro golf for 27 years and the two I’ve played on this tour have been as good as anything I’ve played.”

The American was also full of praise for his vanquished opponent, who performed valiantly to force a play-off and even had a chance to win in regulation before three-putting his 72^nd hole. “I can’t say enough about Darren,” said Van Pelt. “He’s a world-class player and he played really good today. I knew he wasn’t going to go away. I just played solid all week. I knew my game was in pretty good shape, but there was a lot of good players out here.

“I’ve just been trying to really get into my process, focus on my pre-shot routine. It’s easy to get ahead of yourself, but on this golf course, you really can’t do it. And I probably did as good a job this week as I have ever done in my career. My son was great. It was his first week on the bag, but he said a lot of good things at the right time. It wasn’t looking very good for me on 18 in regulation when Darren’s right there in front of two. But the play-off was a fresh start. I hit a really good drive and there at the end I just tried to focus on the shot at hand and not think about giving up a three-shot lead.

“My other son’s been caddying on the Champions Tour and so I feel like the luckiest guy in the world to win on this continent and win a huge event on the Legends Tour with your son on the bag – you’ve just got to pinch yourself.”

On a day where the wind swirled and momentum fluctuated, enthusiastic crowds at Trump International were treated to a back-nine battle royale as both players traded birdies and bogeys.

Van Pelt had looked to be cruising, with birdies on the 3^rd and 4^th taking him to -4. When he rifled a stunning 8-iron to five feet at the 13^th and then holed for another birdie – as both Fichardt and Khan bogeyed – the lead was stretched to three and one hand was firmly on the trophy.

But Fichardt refused to go quietly and promptly chipped in for birdie at the next while Van Pelt overshot the green and couldn’t get up-and-down from a heavy lie. Once the American drove into a bunker on the 15^th and dropped another shot the lead was tied and a grandstand finish set up. Fichardt will undoubtedly reflect on a missed opportunity having got onto the front of the green in two on the final hole of regulation play – but he left his long eagle putt short and then missed for birdie as well, matching Van Pelt’s par.

Elsewhere, home favourite Steven Gallacher mounted a final-day charge and surged into the top five with four birdies in a 69, but a bogey at the last derailed any faint hope of victory and he was forced to settle for a tie for fourth place with Mikael Lundberg who shot a 70. He was joined in the top-10 by former Open champion Paul Lawrie, who battled to a round of 71. “It was okay,” said Gallacher. “I played alright and gave myself a chance. It’s a pity about the bogey at the last. I went for the putt trying to maybe get third place and knocked it past and then missed it coming back. But at least I gave it a go.”

Order of Merit leader Scott Hend also carded a three-under-par 69 to finish the week at +1 and leap into third place and cement his position at the top of the money list. The top 10 was rounded out by Simon Khan in fourth, making a third consecutive appearance in the final group on Staysure PGA Seniors Sunday, with Steve Webster and Peter Baker at +4, with Sean Whiffin, Maarten Lafeber and Andrew Marshall joining Lawrie at +5.

Another one of the best rounds of the day came from another Scot – Greig Hutcheon – who made great use of his local knowledge as a former member at Trump International to get round in 68 blows and claim a share of 24^th.

The tournament also saw a number of elite junior golfers from the local area competing in the Staysure Future Legends event, played over two rounds during the first two days of the main tournament. Dillon Middleton, who holds a 5.2 handicap at nearby Cruden Bay, won with a 36-hole stableford total of 61 points having played alongside Legends Tour players Santiago Luna and Andre Stolz.

“At Staysure, we’re incredibly proud to be long term sponsor the PGA Seniors Championship and support the next generation of elite amateur golfers by hosting the Staysure Future Legends Competition,” said David Morely, Chief Marketing Officer at Staysure. “Giving young talent the chance to compete alongside golfing legends in true tournament conditions is a privilege – and we’re thrilled to help create these unforgettable opportunities that will ultimately support their development in the game.”

The Legends Tour now moves on to Brocket Hall for the English Legends on August 22nd. Visit www.legendstour.com for more details and tickets.

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

For media accreditation or requests contact press@legendstour.com

ABOUT THE LEGENDS TOUR

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are among the winners of the John Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events. These experiences provide golfers with unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world. In September 2020, Ryan Howsam, Staysure Group CEO, acquired a majority equity share in the Tour in a ground-breaking joint venture with the European Tour, a unique structure whereby an individual has the majority ownership in a professional tour.

Brown Takes Swiss Seniors Open Crown On Legends Tour Debut

Ted Odorico July 13, 2025

Tours and Events

Mark Brown announced his arrival on the Legends Tour with a bang by shooting a bogey-free 64 to overturn a one-shot deficit at the start of the final day and clinch the beautiful crystal trophy at the 27^th Swiss Seniors Open.

Robert Coles held the 36-hole lead, but a front nine of one over par opened the door for the congested chasing pack. The lead changed hands on multiple occasions, but it was ultimately Brown who got the job done with key birdies at the 15^th and 16^th holes to open up some daylight at the summit. He parred the 17^th and was able to play 18 with a two-shot cushion, making a stress-free par to become the first debutant to win on the Legends Tour since Scott Hend at the 2023 WINSTON golf Senior Open.

The DP World Tour winner had started the day with four pars but got things going with three birdies in four holes from the 5^th to turn in 32 strokes. He picked up another at the par-3 11^th before those back-to-back gains at 15 and 16 completed a magical first week with his family watching on. Brown jumps straight into 20^th on the Order of Merit.

“It’s amazing,” said the champion. “I really didn’t know what to expect this week, so we’ve all just had a blast. We’ve had a fantastic week, and what a way to finish today.

“I stayed pretty patient. I felt like the scoring was going to be pretty low today. There’s hardly any wind, so I just needed to be patient, especially on the front nine. I managed to make a few birdies on that back nine coming home, which was really the key. Winning is never easy, so I had the heart rate going coming up 18.

“I’ve got a six-year-old son and he’s obsessed by the trophies. Unfortunately, we don’t win too many in a golf tournament, so he’ll be especially pleased to see the trophy.”

Coles played the back nine in just 31 strokes, including a birdie at the 18^th, to sign for a 67 and join the tie for 2^nd alongside Keith Horne and Van Phillips. That result lifts him to 11^thon the Order of Merit and gives him valuable momentum to carry into the ISPS Handa Senior Open in a couple of weeks and his defence of the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship the following week.

Horne won last week’s Reignwood Legends Championship and he could have climbed to number one on the Order of Merit with a win this week. He gave it a good run with a closing 66, but back-to-back bogeys on 13 and 14 derailed his charge. He responded well birdies at the next two holes, but only managed pars at 17 and 18. He’s jumped from 4^th to 2^nd on the points list, just behind Hend.

Phillips had five birdies and one dropped shot in a 66. It’s a welcome return to form for the reigning WINSTONgolf Senior Open champion in the last couple of events after he also finished 5^th in China last week. He’s now 16^th on the Order of Merit.

Sweden’s Mikael Lundberg and 2018 Swiss Seniors Open winner Jean-François Remesy had rounds of 65 and 66 respectively to finish tied-5^th on -12. Last season’s Order of Merit number one and 2023 winner at Bad Ragaz, Adilson da Silva, climbed into 7^th with a 64.

There was a four-way tie for 8^th at -10, including Bradley Dredge, Thomas Gögele, David Shacklady and Simon Griffiths.

Visit www.legendstour.com to see the final leaderboard and updated Order of Merit, and for more information about the Swiss Seniors Open at Golf Club Bad Ragaz. The Legends Tour now heads to the ISPS Handa Senior Open at Sunningdale, from July 24^th-27^th.

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

For media accreditation or requests contact press@legendstour.com

ABOUT THE LEGENDS TOUR

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are among the winners of the John Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events. These experiences provide golfers with unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world. In September 2020, Ryan Howsam, Staysure Group CEO, acquired a majority equity share in the Tour in a ground-breaking joint venture with the European Tour, a unique structure whereby an individual has the majority ownership in a professional tour.

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN TOUR GROUP

The European Tour group administers the DP World Tour, the HotelPlanner Tour, the Legends Tour and the G4D Tour and, as the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe LLP, stages golf’s greatest team contest, the Ryder Cup, in partnership with the PGA of America.

The European Tour group has Strategic Partnerships with the PGA TOUR, the Sunshine Tour, the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, the China Golf Association (CGA), the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO), the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA), and the TATA Steel Professional Golf Tour of India. These partnerships provide global pathways for players from across the world to compete internationally on the DP World Tour, the main men’s professional golf Tour of the European Tour group which was established in 1972, as well as the HotelPlanner Tour.

Horne Reigns at Pine Valley

Ted Odorico July 9, 2025

Tours and Events

Keith Horne shot a third consecutive round of 68 to secure the inaugural Reignwood Legends Championship by one shot at -12.

The South African overcame a two-shot deficit at the start of the round to lead for much of the day and close out his second Legends Tour victory on the circuit’s first visit to mainland China, with David Drysdale, Matt Cort and Emanuele Canonica finishing in a tie for 2^nd.

A front nine of 33 that included four birdies for Horne, coupled with four bogeys on the outward half for overnight leader Simon Griffiths, allowed the nine-time Sunshine Tour winner to hit the front. Horne led going into the final round of the OFX Irish Legends in May, only to finish tied-2^nd behind compatriot James Kingston, who triumphed with five birdies in the last six holes. But he wasn’t to be denied at Reignwood Pine Valley as red numbers at the two par-fives on the back nine – the 13^th and 16^th – gave him a two-shot cushion standing on the tee of the par-four 18^th.

There have been plenty of double bogeys and worse on the tricky finishing hole this week, and the result was still in doubt when his drive found the fairway bunker. He sensibly chose to lay-up short of the lake that protects the front of the green, and his third shot found the heart of the putting surface. Horne lagged his par putt just inches from the hole, allowing him the simplest of tap-ins to claim the trophy in front of hundreds of cheering Chinese fans.

“It feels fantastic,” said the champion. “I realised the course suited me, so I just stuck to my guns and had a mission. I was leading in Ireland and I got caught up too much watching the guys I was playing with, and James came through at the end, so I was very wary of that. I certainly didn’t take my foot off the pedal, because I had no idea what everybody was doing behind me, and it’s the kind of golf course where if you do get going, you can go quite low. I had a goal to get to -14 and I just tried to focus on that.

“I drove the ball well the whole week, and I continued to drive it well today. I was never really in trouble. The greens were relatively receptive, so when you’re going in with short irons the whole time, you have to make mistakes to make bogeys. The par-fives were all reachable for me, so I was patient and tried to pick up birdies when I could and take advantage of the par-fives.

“The crowds have been fantastic and really enthusiastic all week. They really enjoyed us being here. They’ve been vocal and extremely friendly, and it’s been a pleasure to play in front of them.

“All of my supporters and family back home have been amazing. Their support has been invaluable. It means a lot to me, and it certainly inspires me.”

Horne got his maiden Legends Tour victory in Zambia last year on the way to finishing sixth on the Order of Merit, and his second title boosts him to fourth on this season’s points list. As well as this title and his runner-up finish at Mount Juliet, he has also been tied-9^th at the Staysure Marbella Legends and the Barbados Legends hosted by Ian Woosnam.

Drysdale emerged as Horne’s main rival as he started with four birdies in a row and picked up another at the 7^th. A bogey on the 11^th halted his momentum, followed by a birdie at 13 and a bogey at 14. Another pick-up at the par-five 16^th gave him hope of taking the title, but a couple of closing pars saw him shoot 67 and come up one shot shy of a play-off on -11.

Q School graduate Cort had a fast finish with an eagle at the 13^th and birdies at the 15^thand 18^th to force his way into the tie for 2^nd. In total, he had one eagle, six birdies and three bogeys in a 67. It’s a result that thrusts him firmly into the early conversation for the Barry Lane Rookie of the Year award.

Canonica had four birdies and two dropped shots in his first 12 holes, but back-to-back bogeys on 14 and 15 looked like finishing his week on a sour note. However, the DP World Tour winner hit back with brilliant birdies at his final three holes to end his tournament on a high.

Drysdale, Cort and Canonica have jumped to 10^th, 11^th and 13^th on the Order of Merit, respectively.

Van Phillips finished alone in 5^th on -9. Last year’s WINSTONgolf Senior Open winner had four birdies and a double bogey in his 70. Maarten Lafeber shot a best-of-the-day 66 that included an eagle on 8 and no dropped shots to get into a tie for 6^th at -7 alongside former Open champion Paul Lawrie and Thai star Thongchai Jaidee.

Griffiths played his back nine in level par with birdies at 10 and 13 and bogeys at 11 and 18 to sign for a 76. He and Greig Hutcheon, who had a 73, were tied-9^th on -6.

Order of Merit number one Scott Hend and Q School winner Shinichi Yokota endured costly finishes to slip outside the top-10. Hend got into the hunt with a front nine of just 31 strokes, but two bogeys and a triple bogey on 17 saw him home in 41 for a 71. Playing in the final group, Yokota found the water on 18 on his way to a triple bogey and a 75. The pair were tied-11^th on -5.

Visit www.legendstour.com to see the final leaderboard and updated Order of Merit, and for more information about the Reignwood Legends Championship at Reignwood Pine Valley, Beijing, China. The Legends Tour now heads to the Swiss Seniors Open at Golf Club Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, from July 11^th-13^th.

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

BAKER CRUISES TO COSTA NAVARINO TITLE

Ted Odorico June 14, 2025

Tours and Events

The former Ryder Cup player started the day one shot behind overnight leader Paul Lawrie, but Baker had taken the lead by the 4^th hole, and he never looked back as he completed a bogey-free week and strolled to the title with a -16 total. Baker made a steady start on the International Olympic Academy Golf Course with three pars before his first birdie of the day at the 4^th. Even though Lawrie birdied the opening hole, the 1999 Open champion then double bogeyed the 3^rd and bogeyed the 4^th, so Baker’s one-shot deficit became a two-stroke advantage.

The 2023 Order of Merit number one didn’t give anyone else a sniff from that point as he also picked up shots at the 6^th and 7^th to go out in 33 and make the turn four shots clear. He improved to -14 at the par-5 11^th, and another gain at the 15^th gave him a five-shot cushion with three to play. The 57-year-old completed the full set of par-5 birdies on the penultimate hole and two-putted from long range at 18 to seal a bogey-free week and a supremely impressive victory.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said the three-time DP World Tour winner. “It was a tough day. The wind was a little bit different, a little bit stronger today. It was difficult out there, so we had to adapt, and I managed to do that early on. I played nicely and putted nicely today. I holed-out well and holed a couple of longer ones, which you’ve got to do to win.

“It was just one of those days when you try not to make any mistakes, and I didn’t drop a shot all week, which is a massive thing, really. I was really grinding there at the last from about 40 feet, because I didn’t want to give that bogey-free record away.”

The champion played consistently well all week with two 67s in the first two rounds at the Olympic and Hills courses, before adding today’s 66 to get his hands on the trophy. Baker followed up top spot on the Order of Merit in 2023 by finishing 2^nd on the season-long points list last season, and this victory lifts him from 7^th to 2^nd in this season’s standings. He has also finished tied-2^nd in the OFX Irish Legends and tied-4^th at the Staysure Marbella Legends in 2025.

“I want to contend for the Order of Merit again,” said Baker. “I want to try and play well throughout the year and win tournaments. That’s always been my goal. If you’ve got a chance in the Order of Merit, then great. There are a lot of good players out here, a lot of winners, so it’ll be up and down through the year, but you just keep going and keep trying your best.”

Lawrie remained in solo-2^nd for much of the day but a triple-bogey at the 14^th, a bogey at the 16^th and a triple-bogey at the 18^th saw him slip down the leaderboard. He signed for a 79 to finish tied-17^th on -4.

In the end, it was reigning Sergio Melpignano Senior Italian Open champion Thomas Gögele and recent OFX Irish Legends winner James Kingston who finished in tied-2^nd on -10. Gögele had five birdies and one bogey in his 68, while Kingston recovered from a +1 front nine with four birdies on the way home to seal a 69. They improve to 12^th and 3^rd on the Order of Merit, respectively.

PGA Tour winner Bo Van Pelt had a -9 total for the week to finish in 4^th. The American was out in 32, including an eagle at the 1^st, and he had one birdie and one bogey on the back nine to shoot 68 in his first regular Legends Tour start. He missed the cut on his seniors debut in the Senior PGA Championship a couple of weeks ago. Former Ryder Cup player and Legends Tour rookie Stephen Gallacher is into the top-10 of the Order of Merit thanks to a 5^th-place finish. There was a four-way tie for 6^th on -7, including debutant Anthony Wall, former Ryder Cup player Joakim Haeggman and DP World Tour winners Maarten Lafeber and Philip Golding. Order of Merit number one Scott Hend was a shot further back in tied-10^th, alongside Robert Coles, Greg Owen and Simon Griffiths.

The Legends Tour now heads to a major championship with the US Senior Open at The Broadmoor GC, Colorado, next week. The next regular event is the Reignwood Legends Championship in China from July 4^th-6^th.

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

For media accreditation or requests contact press@legendstour.com

Black Desert NI Legends marks Galgorm’s 20th professional event

Ted Odorico June 12, 2025

Golf News

BLACK DESERT NI LEGENDS TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT GALGORM IN MILESTONE 20TH PROFESSIONAL TOURNAMEN

Legends Tour makes NI debut at Galgorm’s Championship Course this August

Galgorm is set to welcome some of the most iconic names in golf as it hosts the Black Desert NI Legends from 29–31 August 2025, marking a historic milestone as the 20th professional tournament held at the venue.

Former Masters champion, Ryder Cup stalwart and World No.1 Ian Woosnam headlines a field that includes Major champions, Ryder Cup players and Tour winners, and the Welshman was excited by the prospect of competing on the island of Ireland once again – the scene, of course, of his memorable winning captaincy at the 2006 Ryder Cup.

At the event’s official launch at Galgorm, Woosnam said: “I am delighted to be heading back to Ireland to compete in this new Legends Tour event. Golf in Northern Ireland is thriving, especially with Rory McIlroy completing golf’s Grand Slam recently and The Open returning to Royal Portrush next month.

Legends Tour ambassador Ian Woosnam at the launch of the Black Desert NI Legends

“Galgorm enjoys a great reputation as one of the country’s best tournament venues and I am looking forward to competing here in August. The Pro-Am format for the NI Legends lends itself to a great week where amateurs get the chance to compete alongside the professionals.”

The NI Legends enjoys key support from Black Desert Resort and Reef Capital who have luxury golf resorts and destinations in the United States including in Utah, where the Black Desert Championship is currently played on both the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour.

Patrick Manning, Managing Partner Black Desert Resort, said: “Partnering with the NI Legends at Galgorm is a natural extension of our commitment to world-class golf. At Black Desert, we’re focused on building experiences that transcend the game itself. Places where legacy, community, and global connection come together. This event embodies those same ideals, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

Jared Lucero, CEO Reef Capital Partners, added: “We believe in backing bold ideas that stand the test of time. The NI Legends celebrates iconic players, historic venues, and the timeless spirit of golf – all of which align with the long-term vision we have at Reef. Supporting this event is about more than sponsorship; it’s about investing in stories, people, and the kind of global experiences that define great destinations.”

Just 30 minutes from Belfast, Galgorm has previously hosted DP World Tour (2020 Irish Open) and Challenge Tour (now HotelPlanner Tour) events – plus multiple editions of a tri-sanctioned mixed World Invitational for men and women professionals on the DP World Tour, LPGA and Ladies European Tour.

“We are delighted to be bringing the Legends Tour to Northern Ireland and the wonderful Galgorm,” said Legends Tour CEO, Phil Harrison. “It’s a venue with a long history of hosting professional tournaments and I’m sure it will present a real challenge to all the players. Northern Ireland is a superb destination for golf and we are looking forward to playing in front of such knowledgeable and supportive fans, who I’m sure will welcome the opportunity to watch legends of the game close-up.”

Aine Kearney, Interim CEO at Tourism Northern Ireland, commented: “We are excited to welcome the Black Desert NI Legends this August, in what is an incredibly exciting year for golf in Northern Ireland. The NI Legends Open, held at Galgorm’s championship Castle Course, showcases that Northern Ireland is indeed Made for Golf.

Third hole at Galgorm, home of 2025 Black Desert NI Legends

“Tourism NI is proud to support this world-class tournament, which draws golf enthusiasts from across the globe. Events like this not only celebrate our rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes but also showcase the superb facilities we offer to golfers worldwide. We’re looking forward to an unforgettable experience for players and spectators alike.”

Gary Henry, Group Golf Director, Galgorm Collection, added: “The Black Desert NI Legends is something of a tournament milestone as its the 20th professional event to be staged at Galgorm, dating back to 2010 and including the 2020 Irish Open. We are delighted to be working with the Legends Tour and title sponsors Black Desert on this exciting new event where many household names and former Major champions will be on show at Galgorm in August. With the Pro-am format we also look forward to welcoming a number of Northern Ireland soccer legends who will take on an All-Star legends team to compete for the Legends Cup.”

The NI Legends tournament will feature a host of well-known players from the Legends Tour, including Major champions, Ryder Cuppers and Tour winners. The full field will be confirmed nearer the time.

The Championship Castle Course at Galgorm measures 7,276 yards from the championship tees and is a former Parkland Course of the Year winner at the annual IGTOA awards (Irish Golf Tour Operator Association).

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour including Colin Montgomerie, Jose Maria Olazabal, Ian Woosnam, Michael Campbell, Paul Lawrie, Paul McGinley and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events, giving golfers unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world.

The tournament will take place from Friday 29th August to Sunday 31st August.

ABOUT THE LEGENDS TOUR

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are among the winners of the John Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events. These experiences provide golfers with unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world. In September 2020, Ryan Howsam, Staysure Group CEO, acquired a majority equity share in the Tour in a ground-breaking joint venture with the European Tour, a unique structure whereby an individual has the majority ownership in a professional tour.

ABOUT GALGORM

Galgorm is Northern Ireland’s premier luxury resort, golf and spa destination, set in 450 acres of lush parkland and situated 30 minutes from Belfast and close to both Belfast airports. Galgorm is part of Galgorm Collection, a unique collection of hotels with award-winning spas, 2 golf clubs and 2 city centre restaurants situated throughout Northern Ireland. The championship Castle Course at Galgorm is one of Ireland’s standout tournament venues and in 2025 will host its 20^th professional event with the new Black Desert NI Legends event on the Legends Tour. Galgorm hosted the 2020 Irish Open, four World Invitationals and 14 NI Opens. The par-72 parkland course offers an idyllic golf experience for golfers of all levels. For more information please visit www.galgorm.com/

ABOUT BLACK DESERT

Set amidst the vermillion sandstone cliffs and striking black lava beds of Greater Zion, Black Desert Resort is poised to become a premier destination for luxury hospitality, golf, and Southern Utah adventure. Black Desert Resort is anchored by a Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course, which will host annual events on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. The initial phase of the Resort Center is set to be complete this September, including nearly 800 rooms and suites, seven dining venues, a 15,000-square-foot spa, a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, beach oasis, and 45,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space. Future phases will include a water park, more rooms and suites, and many more dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Spanning over 600 acres of scenic landscape, Black Desert Resort offers easy access to 200+ acres of preserved land and six miles of hiking trails. To learn more, visit www.blackdesertresort.com

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

For media accreditation or requests contact press@legendstour.com

History awaits the legends in Greece

Ted Odorico June 11, 2025

Golf News

Major champions, Ryder Cup players and global winners are teeing it up at the fourth regular event of the Legends Tour season, the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy.

The Legends Tour returns to Greece for the second Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy, with Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell, Scott Hend and Stephen Gallacher headlining an international field with players from all six inhabited continents.

Michael Campbell of New Zealand at the 2025 Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy.

In addition to seven former Ryder Cup players, two-time DP World Tour champion Anthony Wall is making his debut and PGA Tour winner Bo Van Pelt is playing in his first regular Legends Tour event, having made his over-50s bow at the recent Senior PGA Championship in America – the first of three majors that count on the Order of Merit.

Australia’s Scott Hend tees off at the Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy

It was another American who wrote his name in the history books last year as Clark Dennis won the inaugural Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy with a score of -17. The Texan is relishing the prospect of defending his title in Greece after enjoying his first visit to the country so much 12 months ago: “It was great. The venue was just amazing from the start. I thought the courses were brilliant and we just had a fantastic time the whole week. There’s a lot of history and a lot of fun things to see, and the resort is incredible. I can’t recommend it highly enough for people to go and experience it.”

This year’s tournament will again be played over two of the four courses at Costa Navarino, although there’s a slight tweak with Thursday’s opening round taking place on the Hills, rather than the Bay. The second and third rounds will again take place on the International Olympic Academy Golf Course, meaning both of this year’s layouts were designed by Jose Maria Olazabal. The Dunes, which was designed by Bernhard Langer and opened in May 2010, is the fourth course at Costa Navarino.

Scoring was incredibly low on the Bay 12 months ago, but it was the Olympic where Dennis came to the fore with two rounds of 66 to come through the field and win by four shots, so he knows exactly what it takes to score well on the main tournament layout: “The Olympic is a really good golf course. I thought it was very fair. It’s very scorable if you drive it in the fairway, but if you start to drive it a little crooked, it can be tough. You have to drive it in the fairway, and then iron play is important. The greens are fair, but a little difficult with some slopes on them. Most importantly, you have to drive it well.”

Costa Navarino is widely regarded as one of the best golf resorts in Europe, with five-star hotels, luxurious villas, incredible restaurants and the four signature golf courses all on-site, just a 40-minute drive from Kalamata Airport. The Mediterranean climate is perfect for golf and the quartet of courses all offer incredible views of Navarino Bay, which was the site of one of the most significant naval battles in Greek history in October 1827.

Dennis had his son Phillip caddying for him last year, and he credits talking about the local history during his final round as a contributor to his success: “Phillip and I were having a good chat. He’s a history buff, so he was telling me about the Battle of Navarino Bay, which happened down right below where we were playing. That kept me thinking about other things and kept my focus off the leaderboard and onto just enjoying the moment, so that helped.”

The victory enabled the 2017 Order of Merit number one to finish 12^th on the season-long points list last year, and he needs another big week this time around as he’s currently outside the top 50 following a slow start to 2025. Scott Hend sits at the top this season courtesy of a win at the Barbados Legends hosted by Ian Woosnam and a runner-up finish at the Staysure Marbella Legends. The Aussie will be confident of building on that lead at a venue where he’s played well, having finished runner-up to Dennis in Greece last year.

Angel Cabrera is second after victory at the Senior PGA Championship, and Simon Griffiths, last year’s Barry Lane Rookie of Year, rounds out the top three.

The Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy takes place from Thursday 12^th-Saturday 14^th June, and you can keep up-to-date with the live scoring at www.legendstour.com.

ABOUT THE LEGENDS TOUR

Formerly known as the European Senior Tour and the Staysure Tour, the Legends Tour is the men’s professional golf tour for members aged 50 and older. Created in 1992, the Legends Tour’s active membership features many of the pioneering champions who played on the European Tour during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and beyond. Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam are among the winners of the John Jacobs Trophy, awarded to the golfer who finishes first on the Legends Tour Order of Merit.

The Legends Tour provides unmatched playing experiences for amateur golfers at its Legends Experience, Championship Pro-Am and Celebrity Pro-Am events. These experiences provide golfers with unique opportunities to rub shoulders with and play alongside legends of the game at world-class venues around the world. In September 2020, Ryan Howsam, Staysure Group CEO, acquired a majority equity share in the Tour in a ground-breaking joint venture with the European Tour, a unique structure whereby an individual has the majority ownership in a professional tour.

ABOUT COSTA NAVARINO

Costa Navarino is a sustainably driven destination in the Mediterranean, located in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese of Greece. Graced with a breath-taking seaside landscape, this is a region shaped by 4,500 years of history. The Costa Navarino philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to preserve the natural beauty and heritage of Messinia. The destination comprises several distinct sites featuring five-star hotels, luxury private residences, a world-class golf experience, and many year-round activities.

Navarino Dunes is home to The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and Costa Navarino Residences. Navarino Bay is the setting for Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, W Costa Navarino and Navarino Agora, a curated marketplace. Both sites have signature golf courses, while at Navarino Hills there are two further signature golf courses. www.costanavarino.com

ABOUT THE EUROPEAN TOUR GROUP

The European Tour group administers the DP World Tour, the HotelPlanner Tour, the Legends Tour and the G4D Tour and, as the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe LLP, stages golf’s greatest team contest, the Ryder Cup, in partnership with the PGA of America.

The European Tour group has Strategic Partnerships with the PGA TOUR, the Sunshine Tour, the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, the China Golf Association (CGA), the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO), the Korea Professional Golfers’ Association (KPGA), and the TATA Steel Professional Golf Tour of India. These partnerships provide global pathways for players from across the world to compete internationally on the DP World Tour, the main men’s professional golf Tour of the European Tour group which was established in 1972, as well as the HotelPlanner Tour.

For more information on the Legends Tour go to www.legendstour.com

For media accreditation or requests contact press@legendstour.com