Date: December 09, 2012
Author: Golf Australia

Record-setting Senior clinches Stonehaven Cup

53-year-old Peter Senior became the oldest winner of the Stonehaven Cup after claiming the 2012 Emirates Australian Open from his younger counterparts. In gale force conditions that forced the suspension of play, Peter Senior s experience shone through to see him shoot even par in the final round winning with a 4-under 284 tournament total. Winning the PGA a couple of years ago up at Coolum was great, but I tell you what, nothing beats winning right here, said Senior. Finishing in outright second was 12 time Japan Tour winner Brendan Jones, who watched on from the clubhouse as Senior sealed the title. Australian Cameron Percy finished third at 2-under the card, while a bogey at 18 saw World Number 4 Justin Rose finish a shot back in fourth. Patience was the key for the evergreen Senior who becomes the oldest winner of the Stonehaven Cup since Peter Thomson, who at 43-year-old won the title in 1972. It was an emotional victory for the Queenslander who has had 10 top-10 finishes on the Champions Tour this year, the win made even sweeter with his son Mitch caddying. It doesn’t get any better than this. We ve had three years on the Champions Tour where Mitch has caddied for me for the last two years, and we ve lost three playoffs, so it feels unbelievable to win with him on the bag. Mitch, we finally did it! Mitch s one per cent is looking pretty good! added Senior. I m so proud to have been on his bag while he’s won. It’s a big thing for me, added Mitch Senior, who wasn t thinking of the money. Play was suspended at The Lakes Golf Club for just over three hours during today s final round due to gusting winds reaching speeds of 80km/h moving balls on a number of greens. Senior, a crowd favourite, was thankful for the support he received today. A special thanks to everyone who stayed around today. It was a real nasty day but I had a lot of support out there and I thank you very much for all that support.