Major champions, Ryder Cup legends and icons of the game return to Berkshire for the 2025 ISPS HANDA Senior Open.
The legends of the game return to the UK’s golfing heartland this week, as the ISPS HANDA Senior Open touches down at one of the world’s most well-regarded inland layouts — the Old Course at Sunningdale Golf Club.
From 24–27 July, a world-class field of Major winners and Ryder Cup stars will gather to contest Europe’s only Senior Major Championship.
Following a dramatic 2024 edition at Carnoustie, where K.J. Choi made history as the first South Korean to capture a Senior Major title, the focus now shifts south of the border to Berkshire.
Choi will return to defend his crown on a course steeped in tradition and having already committed to a rare double — playing both The Open at Royal Portrush the week prior, and then defending his title at Sunningdale.
Joining the 2024 champion in the field are a host of ISPS HANDA Ambassadors Thomas Bjørn, Ernie Els, Pádraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie. They will be joined by four-time winner of The Senior Open, Bernhard Langer, the most decorated senior player in history, who recently brought his Masters career to a close at Augusta National. Langer will make his 17th consecutive appearance in this championship, having never finished worse than T12. He was in fact runner-up the last time this event was played at Sunningdale.
First played in 1987, The ISPS HANDA Senior Open has been held on some of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated and historic courses. Sunningdale first hosted the Championship in 2009, when American Loren Roberts defeated compatriot Fred Funk and Irishman Mark McNulty in a play-off.
Sunningdale GC’s 8th par 3. David Cannon Getty Images
Designed by Willie Park Junior and opened in 1901, Sunningdale’s Old Course is a classic heathland golf course. With pine tree-lined fairways, tracks of purple heather, and elevation changes, it is widely regarded as one of the finest inland courses on the planet.
Originally built on land owned by St. John’s College, Cambridge, Park’s design was a revelation at the time, showcasing how inland layouts could rival links courses in challenge and character. His architectural style is visible throughout the Old’s routing, bunkering, and signature undulating greens — features that reward both creativity and precision.
Later refined by Harry Colt, who relocated several greens including the now-iconic 4th, 7th and 12th, the course has stood the test of time without reliance on length. Instead, it demands strategic placement, shot shaping, and a deft touch on and around the greens.
Located just 45 minutes from central London and set amidst the rolling Berkshire countryside, Sunningdale offers a quintessentially English golf experience — charming, understated luxury paired with tradition-rich hospitality. With its ivy-clad clubhouse, panoramic terrace views, and admiration for the game, the club embodies everything great about British
golf heritage.
The 2025 edition of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in Senior Major Championship history.
Key Holes
Sunningdale GC’s 10th par 4. David Cannon Getty Images
10th Hole
Par 4 — 488 yards
One of the toughest holes on the course, this long two-shotter plays uphill with a slight left-to-right shape. Deep fairway bunkers and a green that slopes from back to front make this a true test of distance control. The view of the hole from the Half Way Hut, behind the tee box, is something to treasure.
Sunningdale Golf Club – 18th par 4. David Cannon Getty Images
18th Hole
Par 4 — 423 yards
A magnificent finishing hole framed by pines and heather. Accuracy off the tee is vital to avoid the fairway bunkers, leaving a mid-iron into a contoured green sitting below the historic clubhouse. It’s a hole worthy of crowning a champion with the Clubhouse and iconic Oak Tree at the back of the green.
For more info, visit legendstour.com
Main image: David Cannon/Getty Images
This article was featured in the July 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine
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