Sam Torrance ‘inspired’ by Turnberry Senior Open

Scotland’s Sam Torrance is targeting a sentimental ‘home’ victory when The Senior Open Championship returns to Turnberry for a record seventh time from 26-29 July.

The 2002 Ryder Cup Captain was born in Largs, less than 60 miles up the Ayrshire coastline from Turnberry, and he rates the iconic Ailsa Course as one of his favourite golfing backdrops.

Torrance came close to winning The Senior Open in 2009 when it was played at Sunningdale, the venue he is a member of close to his Surrey home, finishing two shots behind winner Loren Roberts in fifth position. The 58-year-old hopes returning to his native west coast of Scotland can inspire him again as he attempts to become the first Scot since Brian Barnes in 1995 and 1996 to win The Senior Open Championship.

“It would mean everything to me to win The Senior Open,” said Torrance. “It is the week after The Open Championship and we should get great crowds at Turnberry. I’ve not done what I would like to do at Turnberry in the past – I missed the cut in my last Open there – but it is a place that inspires you and I can’t wait to get there.”

Torrance, who this year marks the 40th anniversary of his maiden professional victory, has amassed an impressive collection of accolades in his career, including 21 European Tour titles, eight Ryder Cup appearances as well as his triumphant captaincy ten years ago, 11 Senior Tour titles and three Senior Tour Order of Merits.

However, success in the major championships has so far eluded him, with fifth place in the 1981 Open Championship at Royal St George’s ranking as his best performance to date, alongside his display at Sunningdale three years ago.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Torrance. “Aesthetically it (Turnberry) is one of the most beautiful looking courses in the world. There will be a very strong field and I’m sure that Tom Watson is looking forward to going back to Turnberry. I’m sure that the Scottish fans will come out to watch him – I might even go and watch him myself. He can play that course like his home course.”

Discounted advance tickets for The Senior Open Championship can now be purchased online. at www.europeantourtickets.com,