Darren Clarke is hoping his appointment as European Ryder Cup captain can improve his on-course performance, starting at this week’s Joburg Open in South Africa. But can he overcome the weight of responsibility and win again before he joins the Senior Tour? It's something that few have managed.
Paul McGinley surprised few when he named Des Smyth and Sam Torrance as the first of his Ryder Cup vice-captains. But it's Miguel Angel Jiménez who will be the first to enjoy Smyth's experience when the Drogheda legend serves as his vice-captain for the inaugural EurAsia Cup from March 27-29.
Captains José María Olazábal and Sam Torrance. Picture ©Getty ImagesAn experienced Continental Europe team featuring five Ryder Cup players will take on defending champions Great Britain & Ireland at next week’s Seve Trophy by Golf+ following confirmation of the two ten-man teams for the eighth edition of the biennial contest, writes the European Tour.
José Maríia Olazábal and Sam Torrance. © Getty ImagesDarren Clake and Thomas Bjorn might have Ryder Cup captaincy ambitions but current skipper Paul McGinley has gone for two men he thoroughly respects in naming old hands José María Olazábal and Sam Torrance as captains for October’s Seve Trophy presented by Golf+.
Ian Woosnam is hoping for more success on Irish soil next month when he defends the Handa Irish Seniors Open presented by Fáilte Ireland at Carton House from June 11-13.
The Welshman has enjoyed some of the best moments of his career in Ireland, winning back-to-back Irish Open titles in 1988 and 1989 before leading Europe to Ryder Cup glory at The K Club in 2006.
When Tiger Woods was at the height of his powers it was often said that the rest of the field were simply playing for second place behind him, that’s how it must feel on the European Senior Tour at present, as Boonchu Ruangkit continued his amazing run of form with a four under par round of 69 to lead the Berenberg Bank Masters after day one.
Denis O'Sullivan is still waiting for his first win since 2005 after a closing 75 smashed his chances of lifting the OKI Castellόn Senior Tour Championship.
The 61-year old Cork veteran was just two shots off the pace starting the day but finished tied for ninth with Des Smyth on five under - eight shots behind Australia's Mike Harwood.
