CARNOUSTIE hosts the Senior Open for the first time and a line-up of golfing greats is all set to put a new name on the trophy.
Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and America's Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin are among the 144 competitors who teed off yesterday (Thursday) along with Carnoustie favourite Tom Watson.
Reigning senior champion Loren Roberts is back to try for his third
senior win.
And around 100 young golfers from clubs across Angus hoped some of his success would rub off on them when he took them through their paces at a Masterclass on Wednesday as part of the Carnoustie Country Junior Open event.
Starter Ivor Robson welcomes Bob Charles.
The Junior Open is running in parallel with the main event, with four days of coaching and challenges organised by Angus Council's sports development team and Clubgolf Scotland.
Provost Ruth Leslie Melville welcomed the championship to Angus saying: "We are delighted to have the Senior Open in Angus. This year's line up reads like a who's who of golfing greats so we look forward to welcoming thousands of golf fans of all ages to what is set to be a hugely entertaining four days of world class golf.
Sandy Lyle ponders over the weather conditions with starter Ivor Robson.
"The local star of the event is Carnoustie's Championship Course - it is in fantastic condition and I congratulate the Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee and the course staff for their year round hard work."
The Provost added that the championship was a great showcase for golf in Carnoustie Country. "As well as the expected 40,000 spectators at the event, media coverage once again puts Carnoustie Country golf on the worldwide stage. We are taking every opportunity both onsite and online to promote our stay and play leisure golf packages to encourage golfers and their families to come and sample golf and the broad range of other Angus attractions for themselves."
The family appeal of the Senior Open has an added attraction tomorrow (Saturday) Those attending the championship can also enjoy a special Family Fun Day onsite. Starting at 10 a.m., entertainment includes stilt walkers and face painting. There will also be special appearances by Andrew McClown; balancing act Flotsum and Jetsum; and golfing maestro David Edwards, whose trick golf shots are sure to astound the crowd.
Families can also test their golfing skills by competing in the Parent and Child Golf Challenge, which gives the winning team free entry on Sunday and their photograph with the newly-crowned 2010 Senior Open Champion, as well as a £100 voucher for the merchandising pavilion.
Tickets at the gate are £25 per adult, under 16s are free. More ticketing information from www.europeantourtickets.com/the-senior-open-championship-10-c.asp
