Senior Open to return to Wales in 2017

The Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex will return to Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in 2017 following the huge success of Wales’s first Senior Major Championship this summer.

More than 43,000 spectators lined the fairways of the revered Bridgend links in July to witness Bernhard Langer produce one of the stand-out performances in the history of senior golf to win the title for a second time, finishing 13 shots clear of 2010 Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie.

Four years on from Wales hosting the 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort, The Senior Open Championship once again showcased the country to a global audience, following an agreement for the country to host the Championship made between the Welsh Government, the European Senior Tour and The R&A. 

As part of that agreement, which aimed to build on the legacy of The 2010 Ryder Cup, The Senior Open Championship will now go back to Royal Porthcawl in three years’ time, following next year’s Championship at Sunningdale Golf Club in England, and the 2016 edition at Carnoustie in Scotland.

Welsh Government, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “I'm delighted with the confirmation that we'll be welcoming The Senior Open Championship back to Wales and to Royal Porthcawl in 2017.

“This was the first Major Championship to be held in Wales and the successful hosting of the tournament, and confirmation of its return, reinforces Wales’s reputation as a world-class events destination and as a golf destination with big ambitions. We look forward to working with our partners to make The 2017 Senior Open Championship another success.”

Huw Jenkins, Captain of Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, said: “The Club is delighted to be hosting the Championship for the second time in 2017. The feedback received from all those involved at this year’s event has been superb. It is not only great news for Royal Porthcawl, but also for Wales to be hosting a Major golf championship following the Amateur Championship which takes place at the Club in 2016.”   

Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said on behalf of The Senior Open Championship: “This year’s Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex at Royal Porthcawl was blessed by glorious sunshine and superb crowds, making it a magnificent spectacle which Wales was rightly proud of. Indeed, it was one of the best Senior Open’s in the Championship’s proud history.

“We are therefore delighted to confirm that The Senior Open Championship will be returning to Royal Porthcawl in 2017, and hopefully the Welsh public will embrace it just like they did this summer.”

Prior to hosting The Senior Open Championship, Royal Porthcawl hosted the Coral Welsh Classic on The European Tour three times between 1980-1982, and the Wales Senior Open in 2009, 2010 and 2013, as well as the 1995 Walker Cup, featuring Tiger Woods, when Great Britain and Ireland beat the USA by 14-10. Royal Porthcawl will also host the Amateur Championship in 2016.