GolfPunk becomes official media partner

Of the European Seniors Masters

Words: Tim Southwell Photography: Getty Images

GolfPunk is delighted to announce that it has become the official media partner of the European Seniors Masters, which will be coming to the Marriot Forest of Arden from 19th –22nd October. Why have we done this? Well, think about it. The guys playing on the European Seniors Tour represent a golden, pioneering age of professional golf.

Many of them, like Sam Torrance, were there at the start of the official European Tour in 1972, when events took them to far flung, ridiculously hard to get to destinations, players slept 4 to a room to save costs and you were left your own devices to organise transport, accommodation and everything else inbetween.

What the European Tour used to be like – a series of stag dos, only with quality golfers...

Subsequently, these guys have amazing tales to tell about their journeys, successes and tribulations. And unlike many of the current crop of players on the PGA and European Tours, they are not hamstrung by sponsors and instructed by agents 'not to say anything interesting'... It's not their fault, it's just the way it is now. What used to be the post round pub is now the post round gym.

Back in the day, players could get into what Hunter S. Thompson used to describe as 'interesting situations'. There were no phone cameras to catch you out and no social media to provide a platform for your public image demise. Just a load of lads on tour, chasing the money and having the time of their lives.

Anyway, as official media partners, we'll be right there in the thick of it as they bid to win the European Senior Masters at the Forest Of Arden in October, and we were given a taste of what's to come at the Media Launch for this brand new event.

The European Senior Masters is one of four new events commissioned by the European Senior Tour. The event will be organised by Champions (UK) PLC who already have plenty of experience in hosting top quality events such as the British Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall. The event will be held at The Forest of Arden and the new tournament is part of a three–year deal with the course.

Fraser Liston, Director of Golf at the Forest of Arden, said: “We’re excited to have a European Tour event back at the Forest of Arden, it’s a testament to the great course and facilities we have here.

"The Farmfoods European Senior Masters will add to our long–standing golfing history, having hosted the British Masters and English Open from 1993–2005. We’re looking forward to welcoming the European Senior Tour and its stars in October and hope to see lots of support for the event, from both young and old fans.”

The player hosting The European Senior Masters is Peter Baker. Baker already has an impressive pedigree with three European Tour victories and a Ryder Cup appearance under his belt. Now he enters the senior ranks with the European Senior Masters being his senior debut.

Baker said: “I’m excited to be hosting the very first European Senior Masters, it’ll be a great way to celebrate my debut on the European Senior Tour. The Forest of Arden is a great venue with fantastic facilities, it’s going to be a brilliant weekend full of fun for fans of all ages. I’m really excited to be playing competitive golf against some friends and familiar faces I’ve battled with over the years.”

As part of the Media Launch event, GolfPunk was also able to sample the course. Taking on the final nine holes at the Forest of Arden we were given a taste of what the players at the European Senior Masters can expect. It's a tough test that's for sure.

Tough but beautiful. Deer roam the course with freedom as the golfers attempt to hit the fairways. For those concerned as to whether the deer will be roaming at the event then you needn't worry. They will be treated like royalty away from the course for its duration.

If this event comes down to the final hole then you are in for a real treat. The 18th is a 211–yard par 3 over the water – enough to get anyone's gander up. It certainly made me look at it with an element of fear. Now imagine a cheque for 50,000 Euros and the title on the line. It was the ultimate all-or-nothing hole. The course was simply sublime.

The event will take place on the 19th–22nd October and is completely free for anyone to attend. A top quality event with some of the best and most charismatic golfers around...what more could you possibly want?

To register for FREE tickets to the European Senior Masters, please visit:

https://europeanseniormasters.com/booking/event-ticket/2017.

Additional copy by Nick Kevern