Marsh underlines the strength of Slaley field

Jun 2 2009 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

GRAHAM Marsh, who confirmed his entry for this month's big event at Slaley Hall yesterday, has more to offer the tournament than the novelty value of being the brother of the former Australian wicket-keeper, Rodney Marsh.

Nicknamed Swampy by his peers, the globe-trotting Australian is the proud owner of 65 professional titles across five different tours.

He landed six top-ten finishes in majors between 1975 and 1984, but is probably best known in Europe for his triumph in the 1981 European Open. He came from four strokes behind Seve Ballesteros on the final day to clinch the title, one of 11 on the European Tour.

Since turning 50, he has notched six victories on America's Champions Tour, including two majors and is eligible to play on the European Senior Tour by courtesy of his position on the All-Time Career Money List.

Now 65, Marsh will join Ryder Cup-winning captains Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam, also a former Masters champion and world No 1, in The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship at Slaley. Managing director of Graham Marsh Golf Design, which has created more than 35 courses throughout Asia and Australia, Marsh is now doing work in the United States. Daniel Hodson, Director of Golf and Leisure for De Vere, said: “Graham Marsh is a great addition to the field and underlines the strength and depth of the European Senior Tour.