The two-time Masters winner, who masterminded the Miracle of Medinah as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain in 2012, will be back to tackle the tough links course in Aberdeenshire at the end of this month.
Olazábal finished in a tie for 30th place last year after rounds of 80, 68, 73 and 75 to end the week on +8. Despite that, the Spaniard cannot wait to return and tackle the golf course once again: “I am really looking forward to returning to Trump International Links. I played last year and loved the experience. It is a very challenging golf course and it is exciting to be a part of such an important tournament on the Legends Tour.
“The golf course is a challenge, and the weather conditions can make it even more so. When I played last year, during the practice rounds the wind was blowing very hard but luckily it was not as windy during the tournament days. The course demands very good ball striking and trajectory control. You need to be accurate with distance. On a number of holes if you miss the fairway, you can find yourself in deep trouble. Certainly, all kinds of shots are needed throughout the 18 holes!”
It is an incredibly strong field gathered for the Legends Tour’s flagship event, featuring fellow former Ryder Cup captains Colin Montgomerie, who hosts the event, as well as Ian Woosnam and Paul McGinley.
There’s a strong selection of past Major winners too with John Daly (1991 US PGA, 1995 Open); Angel Cabrera (2007 US Open, 2009 Masters); Ian Woosnam (1991 Masters); Paul Lawrie (1999 Open); Shaun Micheel (2003 US PGA) and Michael Campbell (2005 US Open) in addition to the two Masters titles Olazábal has from 1994 and 1999.
Now “Ollie”, as he is affectionately known, is relishing the week in such a strong field on a great golf course: “Playing a PGA Championship, whether it be the Senior PGA on Legends Tour or the PGA Championship at Wentworth on the DP World Tour is a proud moment. When you compete in these very important tournaments, it gets the juices flowing and you want to play your best. I am looking forward to this opportunity very much.
“It is always great to catch up with these guys after knowing each other for so many years. In fact, we play against each other fairly regularly around the world, but it is going to be fantastic for the tournament and the fans for all these top players to be competing in Scotland in such a special tournament at Trump International Golf Links.”
As for playing in Scotland, there’s plenty to get the juices flowing for Olazábal when he contemplates what lies ahead: “There is not one favourite thing, but so many things I love about playing in Scotland. Yes, we know how great the golf courses are and also the knowledge and appreciation that the Scottish fans have of golf – that goes without saying. But apart from this, when I have driven around Scotland it is the scenery that is always so memorable – the small country roads and villages, the purple heather and wildlife – all beautiful!”
The Staysure PGA Seniors Championship runs from July 31st to August 4th at Trump International Golf Links, Scotland.
Confirmed names in the field include eight-time European Tour order of merit winner, our tournament host Colin Montgomerie; 1991 US PGA Championship winner and 1995 Open Champion John Daly; 1991 Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, 2005 US Open winner Michael Campbell, 2003 US PGA Championship winner Shaun Micheel, two-time Major winner Angel Cabrera (2007 US Open & 2009 Masters), defending champion Peter Baker, Legends Tour leader on the MCB Road to Mauritius rankings – Scott Hend, and the 2014 European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
The Luxe Scot Celebrity Pro-Am takes place at Trump International Golf Links on Wednesday 31st July, with celebrities confirmed to be playing there including Anton du Beke, Brian McFadden, Damon Hill, Darren Gough, Gavin Hastings, Gianfranco Zola, Gordon Strachan, Jimmy Nesbitt, Judy Murray, Keith Duffy, Leone Rolle (DJ Rudimental), Kriss Akabusi, Robbie Fowler, Roberto Di Matteo and Scott Quinnell.
Tickets are on sale at www.legendstour.com/tickets with spectators saving against the gate entry prices by buying online now.
VIP Clubhouse Hospitality is available through Trump International for £250 per person (tables of 10 available) including:
• Exclusive access to Trump International clubhouse
• All-day dining and complimentary bar*
• Limited edition tournament gift
• Priority parking
• Tournament admission
*Terms & conditions apply
