A star-studded field is expected to descend on Austria’s south-eastern region of Styria between May 18 and 20 for the first event of the new season – which promises to be the biggest season since the Legends Tour’s rebranding in 2020 – as Golf Club Murhof hosts the event for the fourth time.
In 2022, Euan McIntosh secured a maiden Legends Tour victory by one-shot at the venue after holding off a final-day charge from South African James Kingston. Helped by a stunning second round 64, McIntosh became the first Scot since Paul Lawrie in 2019 to win on the Tour, capping a remarkable rise for the 2018 Scottish Amateur Champion winner.
The two previous Riegler & Partner Legends events were won by Argentinians, with José Cóceres winning by four from Lawrie in 2019, before finishing four strokes back in second place as compatriot Mauricio Molina won for the first time on European soil in 2021.
This year’s event at Golf Club Murhof will also pay tribute to former Legends Tour, DP World Tour and Ryder Cup player Lane, with the event being the first held since his recent passing at the age of 62. Lane – an eight-time Legends Tour winner – acted as an ambassador for the Riegler & Partner Legends event and Golf Club Murhof since 2020.
Founded in 1962, Golf Club Murhof has played host to multiple major international golf events in its history, including the Austrian Ladies Open between 1998 and 2000. A few kilometres north of the historic city of Graz, the course – which is a challenge for golfers of all abilities – is surrounded by rolling hills and set in an area of lush parkland.
Mag. Gerald Stangl, Promotor of the Riegler & Partner Legends, said: “It is a great honour to host the first event of the 2023 season. It will also be the first event after the loss of our Ambassador Barry Lane. We will try to create a very emotional and special week that pays tribute to him and his unique personality.”
The upcoming Legends Tour season promises to be the biggest since the rebranding in 2020, with larger fields, record-breaking prize funds, and new venues hosting major events like Ireland’s Seapoint Golf Links and Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen.
Former Ryder Cup captains and Major winners including Paul McGinley, Paul Lawrie, Michael Campbell, Ian Woosnam and Thomas Bjorn all competed on last year’s Legends Tour.
Phil Harrison, chief executive of the Legends Tour, said: “We are super excited to be returning to Golf Club Murhof for the 2023 Riegler & Partner Legends as we look to kick start the season with a bang.
“Last year the event was a great season-opener, and with a strong field of golfers set to take part in May, this year promises to be no different. The event also gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to the late Barry Lane with the week’s golf in Austria being played in his memory.”
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