Three Golf News readers recently had the chance to relive the golden days of golf, attending the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at the historic Sunningdale Golf Club, and what a day it turned out to be
All three, Paul Bennett, Chris Meldrum and Paul Smythe, hail from Sussex and shared a deep passion for the game, but each had a different story to tell about their return to live tournament golf.
Paul Bennett:“It had been 12 years since my last event, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Before that, it was the 1994 Panasonic European Open at East Sussex National. I remember Ernie Els just starting out on Tour back then. It’s amazing to now see him as a legend among legends.”
Chris Meldrum:“My last proper experience at a live event was the 2008 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, when Padraig Harrington clinched back-to-back titles. That was unforgettable and I had no idea this trip would bring back so many memories.”
Paul Smythe:“Despite being a huge golf fan and watching the game on TV, I’d never actually been to a tournament in person. This was my first ever and it completely exceeded expectations.”
But it wasn’t just the stars of the senior tour that drew them in. None of the trio had ever been to Sunningdale, a course they’d heard so much about over the years.
After a smooth entry into the grounds, the group strolled through the tented village and made their way to the practice range, watching legends warm up.
A relaxed breakfast later, it was time to hit the course starting with a morning group packed with icons: Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Paul Lawrie, José María Olazábal, Darren Clarke, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Ángel Cabrera, Thomas Bjørn, and many more.
Paul Smythe:“In the morning we walked the whole course, getting so close to so many major champions. I couldn’t believe how good they still are. The highlight? Ángel Cabrera’s second shot on the 14th..he was deep in the trees left of the fairway and somehow managed to draw the ball around the branches and onto the green for a tap-in birdie. I could never dream of pulling off a shot like that!”
Chris Meldrum:“My first thought was how breathtaking the whole place is. You see Sunningdale on TV, but it’s nothing like being there in person. The purple heather, the immaculate fairways, it’s like the UK’s answer to Augusta National. And the distance these guys hit the ball? Unreal.”
Paul Bennett:“The greens were like snooker tables, just perfect. Seeing the players up close, they’re so much fitter than I imagined. Langer hasn’t aged a bit since I saw him in ’94. And the way they strike their irons..it’s just next level.”
After a quick lunch and some friendly chats with other fans, the trio returned to the course for the afternoon wave, featuring even more stars: Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Fred Funk, Justin Leonard, Michael Campbell, Rich Beem, Chris DiMarco, and defending champion K.J. Choi.
Paul Smythe:“Monty’s swing is just so smooth, it was a joy to watch. Seeing Justin Leonard with his wife and grown-up kids walking alongside him was great to see. My shot of the afternoon? Harrington’s 3-wood off the 10th tee pure class.”
Chris Meldrum:“Being that close to so many legends in one day was incredible. Harrington looks unbelievably fit in person, and his pre-shot routine is intense! I’d played in a pro-am with Paul Broadhurst a few years ago, so I made sure to cheer him on when he came through.”
Paul Bennett:“It was such a great day. I loved seeing Monty with his Team Europe Ryder Cup bag, what a touch. Goosen’s swing is still a thing of beauty. And like the others said, Padraig’s 3-wood will stick with me forever.”
Final Thoughts:
For all three, the experience was nothing short of perfect.
“The players, the course, the people, the marshals everything had this relaxed, garden-party atmosphere,” said Paul Bennett. “And will we wait another decade before seeing live golf again? Absolutely not.”
The trio has already started planning to make this an annual outing proof that great golf and unforgettable memories go hand in hand.
For further information visit The ISPS Handa Senior Open website for tickets this weekend.
