Sharjah: Chris Williams is looking to defend his Sharjah Senior Golf Masters title at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club this weekend.
The 58-year-old South African won last year’s inaugural edition of the event, which serves as the opener of the 20-stage Staysure Tour, the European Tour’s format for senior players.
“It was a good feeling winning last year and it was something special to create history — winning the first European Tour-sanctioned event ever held on a nine-hole golf course,” he said, adding: “and it’s always good to win a play-off. You never know what might happen when you’re playing extra holes.”
Williams’ second win as a Senior was the stepping stone to his most successful Senior season since 2010 and he went on to finish runner-up behind American Clark Dennis on the 2017 Order of Merit.
“It was a unique event and a completely new experience to play a Tour event on a nine-hole course, but I guess in playing nine holes twice I got to know the course a little better than an 18-hole layout.
“I only have good things to say about the tournament. The course was in immaculate condition — one of the best prepared courses we played on all year; the hospitality was magnificent; the food was excellent; the weather was perfect; the facilities were fantastic and the welcome we received was wonderful — everyone went out of their way to make us feel at home — and we played in front of a good, appreciative crowd who enjoyed the occasion. What more can you ask for?”
He also credited the Pro-Am set-up, which allows members of the public to rub shoulders with players.
“There is no sport other than golf where an amateur can play alongside the finest players in the world,” he added. “Playing in a Pro-Am with one of your heroes is often the most memorable round of golf many amateurs will ever experience. The Pro-Ams are one of the Staysure Tour’s greatest assets.”
Despite having a friendly atmosphere, Williams said the tour was still highly competitive.
“As Senior Tour players we get to know each other over the years, unlike the main Tours,” he said.
“We see each other just about every week during the season and we make friends over many years. We enjoy the atmosphere and the interaction between players and spectators but there is always a competitive edge to the tournaments.
“We are certainly out here to enjoy ourselves but we are here to win a golf tournament. That’s our focus and that’s our target. It’s an enjoyment to play well and be in contention and it’s most enjoyable to win. When I won in Sharjah last year, in a play-off with Gary Marks, it took a lot of pressure off me and gave me the impetus to have a really good season.
“I’ve been having a good time at home in South Africa over the last few months and I’ve kept fit by practicing almost every day and playing in a few Pro-Ams. I won a Pro-Am just recently so maybe that’s a good omen for me to hold on to my title and retain the Sharjah Senior Golf Masters trophy.”
Entry to the tournament is free. For more information contact the venue on 06-548-7777 or email: academy@golfandshootingshj.com
