The Champions UK plc European Senior Masters returns to the Legends Tour this week, bringing world-class golf back to the renowned La Manga Club in Murcia – one of Europe’s most iconic resorts. The tournament has quickly established itself as a highlight on the schedule, combining Ryder Cup pedigree, Major-winning talent and a venue steeped in history.
This year’s field will be one of the strongest yet, featuring Ryder Cup legends and Major champions. Jamie Donaldson will build on his Legends Tour debut at the Sergio Melpignano Senior Italian Open, where he finished just inside the top 20 at seven under par. Donaldson is a three-time DP World Tour winner who famously secured the winning point at the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. That same year, Europe’s victory was masterminded by captain Paul McGinley, the first Irishman to lead the side and a Ryder Cup hero in his own right after holing the winning putt himself at The Belfry in 2002. Both will be in the field at La Manga. Michael Campbell – best known for his 2005 U.S. Open win, where he held off Tiger Woods to capture his first Major – also tees it up in Spain, where he has now lived for the past 12 years.
The tournament will once again be hosted by Peter Baker, who arrives in Murcia in superb form. An eight-time Legends Tour winner, the 1993 Ryder Cup player has continued his strong play this season with a notable victory at the Costa Navarino Legends in Greece and a run of excellent finishes that have propelled him into second on the Order of Merit. He underlined that form with a tied-fourth finish at the recent Sergio Melpignano Senior Italian Open, closing at 11 under par. With leader Scott Hend not playing this week, the Englishman knows a big week at La Manga could prove decisive in the season-long race.
“This tournament has become one of the highlights of the Legends Tour calendar, and to host it at such a historic venue as La Manga Club is always a privilege,” said Baker. “There’s been a lot of investment in the course and it’s getting better and better. It’s a really good venue and a lovely time of the year to go, and with everything being on site it’s fantastic for players.
“I’ve been playing well over the past few months and hopefully I can bring that form here. We’ve had incredible fields and memorable champions, and I know the players are as excited as ever to return. I’m proud to welcome everyone once again and look forward to another fantastic week of golf.”
Defending champion Simon Griffiths will also return to La Manga after claiming victory in 2024. Griffiths began the final day with a slender one-shot lead and produced a composed closing round of 68 to secure his maiden Legends Tour title. A run of timely birdies kept him clear of the chasing pack, and a two-putt birdie at the 18th sealed his win at 17 under, two shots clear of Van Phillips. “It feels incredible,” Griffiths said, reflecting on a first win on the Legends Tour. “It was a tough day. I played lovely, but missed a lot of putts and was getting very anxious there. But somehow I managed to come out on top.”
Griffiths has also enjoyed further success on Spanish soil this season, winning the Staysure Marbella Legends at Aloha Golf Club with a closing round of 68. With two Spanish victories to his name, he is quickly becoming known as a Spanish specialist on the Legends Tour and will be one to watch as he bids to defend his crown at La Manga.
La Manga Club is a venue steeped in history, having hosted five Spanish Opens, several Ladies European Tour events and numerous DP World Tour tournaments. Its South Course, redesigned by Arnold Palmer, is renowned for its length and demanding layout, making it the perfect test for the Legends Tour’s finest.
With Ryder Cup icons, Major champions, and in-form Legends Tour contenders all set to compete, the 2025 Champions UK plc European Senior Masters promises another week of high-class golf and drama.
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