The European Seniors Tour is a professional tour for male golfers aged 50 and over run by the PGA European Tour. The Tour was founded in 1992. In 2007 it had a total prize fund of €8,305,947, so it is much further behind the U.S. based Champions Tour in relative prize money than the main European Tour is behind the PGA Tour. The highest profile seniors event in Europe is the Senior British Open Championship, which is co-sanctioned by the Champions Tour. The European Tour co-sanctions the Senior PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open.

Schedule

This Link is to the 2008 European Seniors Tour Schedule

Top Five Players

1. Ian Woosnam After a glittering career on The European Tour, makes his debut on the Seniors Tour this season. Captained Europe to a record-equalling 18 ½ - 9 ½ victory in The Ryder Cup at The K Club in Ireland, as the Team won all five sessions for the first time in the biennial contest and secured an unprecedented third successive victory. Received the OBE in the New Year’s Honours List in recognition of the feat. Played in eight Ryder Cups, and in 1993 he became the first European to claim the maximum four points from the two foursomes and two fourball matches, a feat matched by Sergio Garcia in 2006.

2. Bernhard Langer One of the big five of European golf during the 1980s, the German has enjoyed a glittering career as one of the most remarkably consistent, resilient and admired golfers the world over. Received worldwide acclaim - and an Honorary OBE - for his superb organisation and inspirational Captaincy of Europe’s Ryder Cup Team on their way to a record 18 ½ – 9 ½ victory over the United States at Oakland Hills Country Club in 2004. Represented Europe as a player on ten occasions, just one short of Nick Faldo’s record. Conquered adversity in the form of the putting ‘yips’ to reach the top, and has been in the upper echelons of the game for over 20 years - the highlights of which were his two victories in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National in 1985 and 1993. An Honorary Member of The European Tour, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002. In partnership with Marcel Siem, won the 2006 World Golf Championships – Barbados World Cup at the age of 49 years and 106 days. Became eligible to play the European Seniors Tour after his 50th birthday in August 2007.

3. Peter Mitchell making his debut on the European Seniors Tour after turning 50 on April 6. His longevity and staying power were emphasised when he notched up a quarter of a century in professional golf in 1999. Paid six visits to the Qualifying School and spent four years in a club job before consolidating his position on the European Tour. Coached by father-in-law, and paints the names of his three children on his golf balls for identification. Once scored 69 at La Manga’s North Course, using only a five iron and putter. Chipped in for eagle to land first Tour win in 1992. Won in consecutive years on Portuguese territory, lifting the Madeira Island Open in 1997 and the 1998 Portuguese Open at Le Meridien Penina with his family watching. Maintained his Portuguese form line by collecting fifth place in the Estoril Open in 1999.

4. Juan Quiros Became king of the mountains once more when he won the 2007 Open de France Senoir de Divonne in the shadow of Mont Blanc for his second victory. Also recorded nine other top ten finishes in a superb season, which culminated in him finishing third on the Order of Merit. Exceeded his own expectations when he collected his maiden European Seniors Tour title on only his seventh start, closing with a five under par 65 to win the 2006 Bad Ragaz PGA Seniors Open by two strokes. Aided by the altitude of the Alps, the Spaniard produced the lowest 18 hole score of the year with a nine under par second round 61 en route to a winning 54 hole total of 14 under par 196. Admitted he started 2006 with the aim of keeping his card, having suffered from a bad back towards the end of the previous year. But he ultimately finished sixth on the Order of Merit, after a series of fine performances which included a share of second place at the FIRSTPLUS Wales Seniors Open. His best finish on The European Tour was tied second in the 1994 Turespana Open de Tenerife.

5. Nick Job Spent the winter months playing against the ‘young guns’ on mini tours in the United States, and the experience paid off as he returned to win the second event of the 2007 European Seniors Tour season, beating compatriot Martin Poxon in a play-off at The Gloria Classic. Claimed third European Seniors Tour title in August 2005, when he overcame strong winds and the rest of the field to win the Charles Church Scottish Seniors Open - a result that helped him to finish a career-best fifth on the Order of Merit. Worked as a club professional at Richmond Golf Club, London, for many years and whilst there he represented Great Britain and Ireland in four PGA Cups and also served as a Committee Member and Captain of the Southern PGA and the Surrey PGA. Returned to the committee room at the start of 2007, when he joined the Seniors Tour Committee.