The 2005 Senior British Open: An event to experience personally

The Senior British Open Championship is one of those very special golfing events that, until recently, managed to escape a lot of attention, a situation that is changing quickly.

Only inaugurated in 1987, the Senior British Open is now a recognized major event, sanctioned by both the Champions Tour and the European Tour; MasterCard has become a fixture as the major sponsor and worldwide television coverage has become an automatic.

Even more attention was focused on this year's championship when a David and Goliath finish saw U.S. club pro Peter Oakley from The Rookery Golf Club in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, beat out Tom Kite and Eduardo Romero to take the title by a single stroke. Oakley joined an impressive list of past Senior British Open champions, including Gary Player, Tom Watson, Bob Charles and Christy O'Connor Jr.

The 2005 Senior British Open returns to Northern Ireland's Royal Portrush Golf Club, when it is scheduled to take place from July 21 through July 24, the week following the British Open.

The styles of the two events are in total contrast -- the British Open with close to 150 years of history, is filled with tradition, pageantry and glamour, and this will be especially in evidence in 2005 when the venue is St. Andrews, the home of golf.

The Senior British Open on the other hand, offers a far more down to earth and human side where spectators can get up close to the players and feel far more a part of all that is going on.

Just as every golfer should experience the British Open in person at least once in his or her lifetime, the appeal of attending a Senior British Open is nothing less. In 2005, when both defending champions are Americans, this could be the year to take in both.

The opportunity to visit Northern Ireland and include at least the final day of the Senior British Open at Royal Portrush however is something that's too good to resist. This might be the most beautiful corner of The Emerald Isle, where Ireland's welcoming people are the friendliest, the sightseeing is unbelievable and golf is King.

Royal Portrush Golf Club will host the 2005 Senior British Open.

Plan your trip early enough and you could still have a chance of playing Ireland's top-ranked links at Royal County Down or Royal Portrush's next door neighbor, Portstewart, another highly regarded links.

For the fortunate few who planned far enough ahead, Royal Portrush has accepted a very limited number of visitors to play the actual championship course the day following the final round of the Senior British Open. Pin placements will be exactly as they were the day before. If that isn't a special thrill for any golfer, I don't know what is.

As important as golf might be to any visitor, the sights and other off-course activities available in Northern Ireland just shouldn't be missed.

The Antrim Coast, running from Belfast to Portrush might well be one of Mother Nature's most dramatically beautiful pieces of handiwork to be found anywhere. The Giants Causeway, situated near Portrush is considered one of the wonders of the world and if sightseeing gives you a thirst, Bushmills whiskey distillery is conveniently located nearby.

The stunning Mountains of Mourne will take your breath away and the historic walled city of Londonderry with the best-preserved city fortifications in all Europe, is not to be missed. There is Down Cathedral in Downpatrick where the remains of St. Patrick are buried. Other sights include stately homes, castles and magnificent gardens.

The Senior British Open is a wonderful reason to visit this intriguing small country. With so much to offer the non-golfer, it's an even better reason to bring along any partner who may be less enamored by the Royal and Ancient game.

For some ideas on attending the 2005 Senior British Open and experiencing the sights and golf of Northern Ireland, click here.

© 2004 David Brice / Golf International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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