Goosen set for Senior Open debut

Cape Town - Former US Open champions Michael Campbell and Retief Goosen will make their first Senior Open starts later this year after confirming they will tee it up at Royal Lytham & St Annes from July 25-28.

The pair, who both turn 50 this month, have more than 50 worldwide victories between them and are relishing the opportunity to rekindle their competitive spirits and compete at the highest level in senior golf as the Senior Open returns to Lytham for the first time in 25 years.

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Goosen, winner of the US Open in 2001 and 2004, became the first South African to earn the title of European Tour No 1 after leading the Rankings in 2001 and then defend in his position at the top of the Order of Merit in 2002.

"I'm excited to start the next chapter of my career and tee it up with my peers again," said Goosen. "The standard of competition at this level is still so high, and I'm looking forward to testing myself against the players who have continued to excel on the over-50s Tours.

"The likes of Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie and the defending champion Miguel Ángel Jiménez have set the standard over the last few years and they are continuing to raise the bar."

In more than 25 years of competing at The Open, Goosen has recorded eight top ten finishes and the 50-year-old is now looking forward to making his first return to the United Kingdom as a senior golfer in July.

"I've always enjoyed playing on links golf courses and Royal Lytham is no exception," said Goosen.

"It's fantastic that we have an opportunity to play at these traditional Open venues after turning 50 and competition is sure to be fierce later this year."

Campbell and Goosen will join the 1999 Champion Golfer of the Year Paul Lawrie as Senior Open debutants this year, with a host of Major Champions, Ryder Cup players and European Tour winners set to grace the Lancashire links in July.

Miguel Ángel Jiménez will defend the Senior Open trophy he won in fine fashion at St Andrews last year.