Jan Stephenson The Handa Australian Senior Open Championship for men and the Legends Tour Open Championship for women was launched in glorious sunshine today at the Concord Golf Club in Sydney. Golf&aposs original glamour girl Jan Stephenson was live on the phone from Alabama and said she was delighted that the two tournaments could be held simultaneously. “It makes sense to play both tournaments together,” said Stephenson. “e rarely get the opportunity to see the men play up close and it will be great fun to play on the same course at the same time with some of the champions we have watched from afar.” The winner of the 1973 and 1977 Australian Opens said she was looking forward to playing back in Australia. “I&aposm very excited about this tournament, it&aposs great to come home, especially to Sydney. “I love Concord, I used to practice there a lot when I was living in Balmain and it really suits my game.” Bob Shearer and Michael Clayton were on hand to give the unique concept their backing. “Looking at the line-up in the Legends event, I&aposm glad I&aposm not playing in it because there&aposs no way I win it!” said Bob Shearer. The calibre of talent at this event is inspiring, with players such as Wayne Grady, Rodger Davis, Terry Gale, Bob Shearer, Michael Clayton, Jan Stephenson, Amy Alcott and Pat Bradley competing for an outstanding prize purse of $700,000. It&aposs an opportunity for Australians to get up close and personal with the greats of the game as they battle it out for their respective Australian and international titles. Event founder, former professional golfer Wayne Smith, read a statement on behalf of one of Australia&aposs most generous philanthropists, Dr. Haruhisa Handa, who has thrown his support behind senior golf and the Handa Australian Senior Open Championship. “I am both delighted and thrilled at the opportunity of supporting both the Handa Australian Senior Open Championship and Legends Tour Open Championship. “Both these tournaments are important to Australian and world golf because of the rich opportunity they provide in showcasing the considerable talents of senior golfers from both Australia and overseas, and to allow the golf loving public to continue to enjoy the talents of past champions. “With both events running side by side over the three days, we will be witnessing a unique event in world golf and I wish all of those participating the very best of luck and I look forward to a successful weekend of gold both this year and hopefully in years to come.” Major sponsors for the event include presenting sponsor Star City Casino and supporting partners Mitsubishi Electric Australia and Peugeot Automobiles Australia. The Australian Senior&aposs Open Championship and the Legends Tour Open Championship are sanctioned by the PGA and the ALPG respectively and supported by Golf Australia. A range of sponsorship and hospitality packages are available. For further details, please contact Peter Aleksander of Vault Sports Management on 0424 144 733.
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