Our press officer takes you behind the scenes at the Casa Serena Open in the Czech Republic.
Flying visit after Day Two
Barry Lane wasn't the only man on flying form during the second day at the magnificent Casa Serena Golf.
Just as the final putt dropped in the Czech Republic, the players and spectators were treated to a surprise when two fighter jets from the Caslav Airforce performed a low pass fly over the course.
As our picture shows, it was quite a stunning display and the amazement and awe amongst the crowd was 'plane' for all to see.
Thankfully, unlike overnight leader Lane, these flying fighters didn't hit any birdies!
Chang hosts BBQ in 16th Century chateau
In keeping with the wonderful hospitality afforded to players and visitors at the Casa Serena Open this week, a Barbeque hog-roast was held at the beautiful chateau owned by Casa Serena Golf founder Maureen Chang and her husband and successful businessman Jim Chang.
Many European Senior Tour players attended to sample the delicious pork and wine on offer in the garden of the 16thCentury chateau, which was bought and renovated at the request of Terry Gou, chairman of the tournament’s sponsors Foxconn.
Gou also asked Maureen Chang to create an 18 hole golf course as a gift of love for his wife Serena, who sadly died of Cancer in 2005 and, while she never got to see the renovated Chateau or course, it is certainly a wonderful tribute.
Kutná Hora is all mine, all mine
There’s a rather nice historical symmetry to the fact that some of European golf’s biggest names come to Kutná Hora annually in search of silverware, as the beautiful Czech town was first established when settlers came from far and wide to mine the plentiful silver deposits in the area.
Located in central Bohemian region of the country, the village was once one of the most important political and economic centres of the area in the 14th and 15th centuries, competing for importance even with Prague, and was also one of the richest areas in Europe.
As a result, Kutná Hora is home to numerous Gothic architectural wonders, including the five-naved St Barbara's Church, the Stone Haus, St James's Church and the Cathedral of Our Lady.
It is truly a beautiful place, packed with historic splendour and cobbled streets and in 1995 was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
No doubt, the golf this week will be worthy of Casa Serena’s spectacular surroundings. Now we wait to see who will strike silver at Casa Serena!
Woosie left on standby in Prague airport
Things can only get better for Ian Woosnam after he endured an unfortunate start to his time in the Czech Republic this week, before he even reached the picturesque venue for this week’s Casa Serena Open.
The Welsh wizard flew into Prague on Wednesday night with his caddy Lee Addelly but they were cursing their luck early on when they discovered they had to share an hour and a half journey to Kutná Hora with the European Senior Tour’s two Press Officers.
And things didn’t get any better for the dynamic duo when they were forced to wait for 40 minutes at Prague airport as one unfortunate Press Officer’s luggage got lost in the ether somewhere between Gatwick and the Czech Republic.
Luckily, the Ryder Cup winning captain was a picture of patience in the airport lobby, helped in no small part by the TV screen which was showing the Manchester United versus Benfica Champions League match.
It’s all uphill from here, Woosie!
Senior Open champ Vaughan back on the scene
One surprising but welcome name on the drawsheet in Casa Serena this week is that of 2008 Senior Open Championship winner Bruce Vaughan, who has made the trip from America where he usually plies his trade on the US Champions Tour.
Vaughan shocked the golf world at Royal Troon three years ago when he staged a remarkable comeback to beat John Cook in a sudden death play-off, having seen off golfing icons such as Greg Norman and Bernhard Langer, to seal his first career win.
His only three appearances in Europe since have been in the Senior Open Championship, when he finished tied ninth in his title defence in 2009 before finishing 20th in 2010 and missing the cut at Walton Heath in July.
But now he’s back on the scene at Casa Serena thanks to a sponsors’ invite and while he might not be the recognisable name in the field, he is the only man here to have won the Senior Open Championship.
A dark horse perhaps?
