The European Seniors Tour and The R&A have confirmed two qualifying venues for The 2007 Senior British Open Championship, presented by Aberdeen Asset Management, which is to take place at Muirfield for the first time from July 26-29, 2007.

In the region of 200 golfers will battle it out over 18 holes at Craigielaw Golf Club and the historic North Berwick Golf Club in the hope of landing a place in a star-studded field for the 21st edition of the Championship.

The West Links at North Berwick Golf Club, which was founded in 1832, has evolved over the years into a true links test and has previously hosted Final Qualifying for The Open Championship. The 6,456 yard, par 71 layout stretches from the town centre along the shores of the Firth of Forth and is complete with revetted bunkers, blind holes and drives over walls and burns.

By contrast, Craigielaw in Aberlady is one of East Lothian’s newest courses but meets the challenging standards set by its more established neighbours. Measuring 6,601 yards and playing to a par of 71, the links is managed in traditional fashion with minimal watering, but it is the greens that are special. Each is defended by an armoury of bunkers and the putting surfaces all conform to USGA standards.

David Hill, Director of Championships at The R&A, commented: “We are delighted to add Craigielaw and North Berwick to what is a hugely impressive golfing schedule for the East Coast of Scotland in the summer of 2007.

“The Open Championship is being played at Carnoustie the week before The Senior British Open Championship, presented by Aberdeen Asset Management, makes its first visit to Muirfield, producing massive enjoyment for golf fans and considerable economic benefits for the surrounding communities.”

For further information, please contact:
European Tour Communications Division
Tel: +44 (0) 1344 840400
Fax: +44 (0) 1344 840444
Email: media@europeantour.com

David Hill
Director of Championships
The R&A
Tel: +44 (0) 1334 460000

Tom Maidment at WSM
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7993 2249
Email: tom.maidment@wsmsport.com

Notes to Editors

The Senior British Open Championship

The Senior British Open Championship was first played in 1987, when Neil Coles captured the title at The Westin Turnberry Resort, and was accorded Senior Major Championship status in 2003.

Muirfield is set to become the sixth different venue for the Championship after Turnberry, Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal County Down Golf Club and Royal Portrush.

The 2006 Senior British Open Championship returns to Turnberry from July 27-30 when Tom Watson will defend the title he won at Royal Aberdeen GC in 2005.

Aberdeen Asset Management

Aberdeen Asset Management manages investments for individuals and institutional investors alike. Although the company’s headquarters remain in Aberdeen, Scotland, its offices and fund managers can now be found across more than 20 locations around the world. The Group has experienced rapid expansion since 1983, through organic growth and acquisition, and is today one of the UK’s largest independent fund managers. Quoted on the London Stock Exchange, Aberdeen Asset Management manages £74.4 billion (as at end of March 2006) in a range of retail and institutional funds for clients worldwide.

Aberdeen’s sponsorship portfolio incorporates a number of events, institutions and individuals, including the 1999 Open Golf Champion Paul Lawrie and US Champions Tour golfer Mark McNulty.