By David Nagel
THE Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links is all set for this week’s $20,000 Victorian Senior Open Golf Championship.
Weeks of preparation have “The Hills” course in tip-top shape as some of the country’s best senior golfers converge on the historic layout.
Being played over two days on Thursday and Friday, the Senior Open brings together the cream of Australia’s senior golfers, plus a pinch of overseas talent to enrich the flavour of the event.
This is the fourth staging of the tournament, all three previous editions being held at the picturesque The Dunes in Rye. The honour roll of winners – Mike Ferguson 2008, Mike Clayton 2009 and defending champion, Craig Owen from New Zealand, pre-empt another quality tournament this time around.
Notables to join Ferguson on the entry list this year include last year’s runner-up Ossie Moore, New Zealand’s Jim Lapsley who has triumphed five times on the senior tour this year, 2009 runner-up John Clifford, Terry Price, Trevor McDonald, and Lucien Tinkler, who earlier in the year fired a blistering 63 at Phillip Island. Long time Cardinia Beaconsfield professional, Mark Griffin will also compete on his home turf.
Another entrant that will attract plenty of attention is former Australian test and one-day cricketer, Dean Jones. Jones has been working hard to get his game in fine fettle for the event, working with some of Victoria’s top coaches.
Jones has improved his handicap from three down to one over the last 12 months and hopes to have former Carlton champion Craig Bradley carry his bag for the tournament.