On behalf of the Members and staff we extend a very warm welcome to Sunningdale Golf Club for the Senior Open 2021, presented by Rolex.
Our Club was established in 1900, originally 18 holes, the Old Course, designed by Willie Park Junior for the aristocracy in London to travel for recreation. The popularity of the Club boomed following the introduction of the nearby railway line and motorised cars, with a further 18 holes, the New Course, designed by Harry Colt, added in 1923.
With 36 holes of the finest architectural quality Sunningdale has presented many times on the world stage with professional golfing tournaments dating back to 1903. Since then, the Club has hosted over 100 professional tournaments including The News of the World Matchplay, Dunlop Masters, Golf Illustrated Gold Vase, Bowmaker Tournament, Colgate Ladies European Championship, the European Open, The Walker Cup, Women’s British Open and on two prior occasions the Senior Open Championship (2009 & 2015).
We are delighted to welcome back some of the greatest champions in golf to compete on the Old Course which has stood the test of time and technology.
Twice the winner of the Open Willie Park Junior was consulted and tasked with designing a course of exemplary character, for the price of £3,000. It opened to universal acclaim and was one of the first successful courses located away from the coast. Park Junior was an excellent putter, and this was reflected in his design, with many large undulating greens that utilise the natural topography, the Old Course greens can often catch many by surprise. Diagonal and visual hazards were favoured by Park Junior, and these can be seen across the course with ditches, cross bunkers and mounding framing many holes.
Bobby Jones had great fondness for the Old Course. In 1926 during qualifying for The Open Championship (which he went onto win at Royal Lytham and St. Annes) Jones shot 66-68. Regarded for many years as the ‘perfect round’ the 66 consisted of 33 shots, 33 putts and no hole was played in more than four and on ten holes, the shot to the green was played with a two iron or wood. Jones said afterwards: “I wish I could take this course home with me.”
The 2019 winner of the Senior Open at Royal Lytham, Bernhard Langer, finished Runner up in 2015 at Sunningdale, and so we suspect there will be a score to settle over the next few days.
This event takes a great deal of time, preparation and support and we would like to thank all of those involved at both Sunningdale and surrounding Clubs.
Finally, to the Members who are thrilled to host this fantastic tournament. We thank them for giving up their courses and Clubhouse in order to present the most wonderful spectacle over the tournament week.
Paul Chase-Gardener Captain
Fiona Ross Lady Captain
