The European Senior Tour this season started under somewhat of a black cloud for Farmfoods ambassador Gary Wolstenholme MBE. Following the reshuffle of the exemption categories and a European Senior Tour ‘Strategic Review’, Gary lost his ranking for the 2016 season and thus has had a nail biting period of waiting to know if and when he will play events. Despite his anxiety Gary has played the first three events of the season and what a start it has been!

Entry into the SSE Wales Senior Open was assured through his official ranking and Gary got the season off to a good start eventually finishing in a tie for 31^st position but improving all week eventually closing out the tournament with a 68. 

The good golf kept on coming as with an invitation to the Acorn Jersey Open, the second event on the calendar, Gary recorded rounds of 71, 65 and a final 70 which were good enough for a spot in a playoff for the title, one he narrowly lost, as did Ian Woosnam, as Gordon Manson birdied the third play-off hole. However a second place finish elevated Gary up the Order Of Merit and more importantly gained him entry into the Swiss Senior Open (last week), his favourite course and event of the year.

Gary then proved how much of a favourite Bad Ragaz is as he once again finished inside the top 5 and secured his place at the WINSTONgolf Senior Open this week in Germany. Rounds of 69, 66 and 67 gave Gary an eight under par total and boosted him to 11^th on the Order of Merit, another major step closer to securing playing privileges for the European Senior Tour in 2017.

Turning his attention to this week at WINSTONgolf Links for the WINSTONgolf Senior Open, Gary is full of confidence. His best finish in this event came back in 2012 where on debut he finished 5^th which included a sublime 66 on the second day.

To keep up to date with live scoring from Germany then please log onto the European Senior Tour website at www.euroepantour.com/seniortour.

Good luck Gary !