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Former Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam and 1989 European Tour Order of Merit Winner Ronan Rafferty will headline the field at the inaugural Willow Senior Golf Classic, at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club.

A new and exciting addition to the European Senior Tour calendar, the Willow Senior Golf Classic will be played in an Alliance format with amateurs given the chance to play alongside top professionals in two pro-am rounds and also the three tournament days.

“It’s an absolute privilege to have such great legends of the game coming to our course,” said Govert Deketh, General Manager at Hanbury Manor. “The field is incredibly strong, and it will be a delight for everyone involved to witness veterans of the game battle it out to be the first winner of the Willow Senior Golf Classic.”

Barry Lane, winner of the 1988 Scottish Open, Philip Golding, winner of the 2003 Open de France, and Mark James, who won on 18 occasions in 19 years on the European Tour, will also take to the Hertfordshire course at the end of August.

The Senior Tour has teamed up with national charity Willow, and all proceeds of the tournament will go to the charity which provides Special Days for seriously ill young adults across the United Kingdom.

“We hope to have a lot of support from spectators who want to come and see some great golf, whilst supporting a great cause,” said Govert.

“Willow is a brilliant charity, and any amount raised by the tournament will go a long way to providing special memories for seriously young adults and their loved ones during what is the toughest time in their lives.”

David MacLaren, Head of the European Senior Tour, added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the European Senior Tour to support a very worthwhile cause, whilst also showcasing the superb golfing talent we see displayed at every event on our schedule.

“We saw some fantastic golf played at the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex last month, and the Alliance format gives amateur golfers the chance to play alongside the best professionals on the European Senior Tour.”

Tickets are available to purchase from the Senior Tour website on the following link: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/willow-senior-golf-classic-tickets-23736685064