Arnold Palmer is set to make a competitive comeback to this country. Six weeks short of his 72nd birthday, Palmer is expected to be in the line-up for the Senior British Open at Royal Co Down on July 26th to 29th.
Though it will be his first competitive appearance at Royal Co Down, he played in the tournament during its stay at Royal Portrush. His best performance in the Senior British Open was to be third behind Neil Coles at Turnberry in 1987.
Apart from capturing the British Open in 1961 and 1962, he won the World Matchplay in 1964 and 1967, the Lancome in 1971 and the PGA Championship and Spanish Open of 1975.
Meanwhile, two long-established rivals of his are bidding farewell to the British Open at Royal Lytham earlier in July. Gary Player, who won the last of three British Open titles at Lytham in 1974, will be making a record 47th consecutive appearance.
Bob Charles, who remains the only left-hander to win a major title, had his only British Open success at Lytham in 1963. Both players are now 65, the age at which former champions no longer receive exemptions.
"After being a professional for almost 50 years, I appreciate being a part of the history of the game," said the South African, who also won the Open in 1959 and 1968. Charles said: "The Open is the ultimate test. You don't have to conquer the elements in the same way at the other three major championships."
