Open chance for Peter Senior at Australian qualifying

Qualifying for The Open at Sandwich in July starts in Melbourne today, with 51 players competing for three places.

The field for the 36-hole event at Kingston Heath includes 51-year-olds Peter Senior and Peter Fowler, who have played in 30 Opens between them, with Senior among the favourites after becoming the oldest ever winner of the Australian PGA title last month.

The former European Open champion, who came through qualifying last year and made the cut at St Andrews, enjoyed his best Open performance at Royal St George's when he tied for fourth in 1993, five strokes behind compatriot Greg Norman.

"This is a great opportunity for all Australian players to play in what I believe is the best tournament in the world," he told the Royal and Ancient Club website.

"Last year it was great to have it at St Andrews, where it is always exciting and full of atmosphere, but this year the players are in for a real treat as we head back to Royal St George's, which I'm sure will throw up its own unique challenges to all of the players lucky enough to get through the qualifying."

The players had a practice day at Kingston Heath yesterday and the competition was due to begin in Melbourne overnight.Peter O'Malley and Craig Parry, 45 and 44 respectively, are also in action.

Parry, who has taken part in 17 past Opens, has a best finish of tied-fourth at Carnoustie in 1999.

"The Open is the best championship in the golfing calendar. It is the one tournament I want to play every year. I would look forward to playing at Royal St George's if I was to qualify," said O'Malley. "Royal St George's is a great test of golf, very demanding off the tee, which suits my style of golf."