Senior Tour returns to Russia in 2013

The European Senior Tour will return to Russia for the first time since 2008 when the Russian OpenGolf Championship (Senior) takes place from September 13-15, 2013 at Moscow Country Club, near the country’s capital city.

Under the terms of the three-year agreement, the Russian Open Golf Championship (Senior) will carry a prize fund of US$850,000 and will be promoted by the Main Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps (GlavUpDK), part of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Major Champion Ian Woosnam of Wales was victorious the last time the Senior Tour visited Russia, winning the 2008 Russian Seniors Open by three shots from Paraguay’s Angel Franco.

Moscow Country Club, which is located in the town of Nakhabino around 30km north-west of Moscow, became Russia’s first 18-hole golf course when it opened in 1994. It was the venue for the Russian Open on The European Tour from 2003-2008 and the course, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr, and the club house recently underwent a major renovation.
There are also plans to build a new Golf Training Centre at the Club, which hosts an annual Charity Golf Tournament in which the heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to Russia take part.

Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “The European Senior Tour is delighted to be returning to Russia, and we look forward to sampling the wonderful facilities of Moscow Country Club and interacting with its truly international membership.
“We greatly appreciate the support of GlavUpDK for this Championship, and together we hope to attract the strongest field possible of Senior Tour professionals to sample Russia’s legendary hospitality.”

Vladimir I.Pashko, GlavUpDK Director General, said: “GlavUpDK will make every effort to ensure the success of the Tournament.  Golfers and guests will enjoy the most favourable conditions at our Resort. Welcome to Moscow Country Club!”