Senior Open Qualifier 2011 at Kingswood  

Monday 18th July saw the return of International Tournament golf to Kingswood. Some 20 years have passed since hosting the Ladies European Open here and many renovations and improvements have been made to the course in that time.

Play started at 7.30am with 97 players competing for the 10 automatic spots to play in the Senior Open Championship at Walton Heath. The field included a truly International flavour including a Japanese Senior Open Champion and U.S Senior Amateur Champion.

The blustery start to the day tested the players from the outset and it was clear that scoring was going to be tough throughout the day. This was confirmed mid way through proceedings with only one competitor, S Cipa, breaking par with a one under 71.

The afternoon brought a slight increase in temperature (and showers) and the players seemed to respond with some lower scoring. Two more players broke par in the afternoon with the Italian Carlo Alberto-Acutis leading the way with a two under par 70.

A playoff in torrential rain decided the final 3 places which left the following qualifiers from Kingswood -

1.  Carlo Alberto ACUTIS ITA 70 -2

2.  Albert MACKENZIE SCO 71 -1
     Steve CIPA ENG 71 -1

4.  Paul WISE USA 72 Level
     P.H. HORGAN USA 72 Level
     Pat ERRITY IRL 72 Level
     John HOSKISON ENG 72 Level

8.  Rick LEWALLEN USA 73 +1
     Bruce DAVIDSON SCO 73 +1
     Dave PADGETT ENG 73 +1

(3rd Alternate) Tom LOCKWOOD (AM) ENG 73  +1

The day was clearly enjoyed by everyone, especially those who qualified. However, the day was typified with one of the competitors remarking

"Before this weekend I had never heard of Kingswood, but what a golf course........ I just can't wait to come back and play it again!"

CLICK HERE to view images of the day!

CLICK HERE to view full results