The future of Australia s premier senior golf championship, the ISPS Handa Australian Senior Open, remains strong with the event scheduled to return to the Western Australian golfing calendar in 2011. To be hosted by Lake Karrinyup Country Club from 4-6 November 2011, the ISPS Handa Australian Senior Open will see an unprecedented and exciting change informat where professionals will play alongside an amateur partner for the first 36 holes before the top 50 battle it out in the final round of competition on the Sunday. The Pro-Am style format is a new initiative of long term sponsor Dr Haruhisa Handa, Chairman of the International Sports Promotion Society, who hopes the opportunity presented to avid golfers to play alongside their golfing heroes, will assist in raisingvaluable dollars for ISPS charity efforts for the victims of the Japan tsunami. Dr Handa said he is pleased the event is continuing in 2011 and hoped the WA public would get behind the tournament on all levels. I am so proud of the continued growth of the ISPS Handa Australian Senior Open over the past 4 years and now I ampleased to be able to highlight a very real and important cause through ourinvolvement with the event , said Dr Handa from Tokyo. The effects of the earthquake and tsunami that devastated my country earlier this year have been terrible. I am grateful to all the players who are coming to Perth to play in this year s tournament who are also helping to support a cause very close to my heart. Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt also confirmed their support for this year s event. The ISPS Handa Australian Open has become a favourite stop for senior players each year, Pitt said. The quality of the field will be impressive again and it s a great chance for fans to get out and see the household names in action. The tournament will showcase one of Australia s most highly regarded golf venues, Lake Karrinyup Country Club, which is renowned for its challenging layout. Lake Karrinyup Country Club is delighted to be hosting the 2011 Handa Australian Senior Open. Our Club has a long and impressive history of hosting major professional golf tournaments and is once again looking forward to showcasing Western Australia s premier course for the best senior professional golfers from Australia and overseas, said Club President John Hopkins. The 2011 Handa Australian Senior Open will showcase national and international golfing stars including major winners Ian Baker-Finch and Wayne Grady as well as 2009 Champion Mike Harwood, Michael Clayton and Western Australian legend Terry Gale. Ian Baker-Finch expressed his pleasure at the news the event was continuing on the PGA Legends Tour schedule and said he was looking forward to getting back to Perth at the end of the year. I&aposm so happy to be returning to Perth for the ISPS Handa Australian Senior Open and excited about the prospect of competing against Wayne Grady, Mike Harwood, Michael Clayton and all the guys at Lake Karrinyup, one of myfavorite courses in the world. Lake Karrinyup has a wonderful heritage in Australian golf and I look forward tohaving the opportunity to play and compete once again at this spectacular venue. See you all back in Perth in November! The tournament will kick off with Round 1 on Friday 4 November. Spectators are welcome and entry will be a gold coin donation with funds going to the victims of the Japanese tsunami.
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