By Will Pearson, europeantour.com
at Rockliffe Hall
Argentina’s Cesar Monasterio romped to a maiden victory at the English Senior Open in just his fifth start on the European Senior Tour.
Having led by three shots overnight at Rockliffe Hall, County Durham, following a course record-equalling 63 on Saturday, the 50 year old Tucuman native put together a serene two under par 70 to finish five clear of England’s Barry Lane (70) and Scotland’s Andrew Oldcorn (67) and with it become the second rookie in succession to win on the Senior Tour.
England’s Paul Eales finished tied fourth after a best-of-the-day 66, alongside Scotsman Ross Drummond (73).
But it was a result that never really looked in doubt, as Monasterio calmly plotted his way to an aggregate total of 202, 14 under par, to seal a memorable victory and a winner’s cheque of €37,503.
With bright sunshine, warm temperatures, and crowds numbering more than 4,500 at the stunning North-Easterly venue on Sunday, Monasterio’s bid for the title began somewhat ingloriously with a bogey at the par four first and the lead was briefly reduced to just two shots.
That was as close as it got, however, as the affable Argentinian, who won the Abierto Telefonica Moviles de Guatemala on the Challenge Tour in 2005 and the 2006 St Omer Open on The European Tour, posted birdies at the short third and par five seventh to immediately reassert his authority on proceedings.
A further gain at the long 12th preceded six straight pars and a victory the man of the moment described most accurately as “muy tranquilo”.
“I am very happy, it’s difficult to explain,” said Monasterio, who becomes just the fifth player to have won an event on all three of The European, Challenge and now Senior Tours after Antonio Garrido, John Bland, Constantino Rocca and Philip Golding.
“This whole week was has been very enjoyable, every day has been good and the course is in excellent condition and it is an unbelievable tournament.”
Commenting on his runner-up finish at last week’s SSE Scottish Senior Open, where he led for 36 holes, he added: “After the disappointment of almost winning last week, and a difficult weekend, I feel very good, this one is for me!”
Monasterio also becomes the third first-time winner of the year following Rick Gibson and fellow-rookie Mark Davis, who prevailed at last week’s SSE Scottish Senior Open in St Andrews, and moves to sixth in the Order of Merit as the Senior Tour season reaches its halfway point.
And having worked all week with local caddie Gary Spalding, Monasterio took the time to personally thank his able assistant.
“Gary has been very good for me all week,” he continued. “Especially on the greens helping me line up the putts, he has been excellent.
“But one thing that needs to be better is my English! I am going to have to improve that – especially if I’m going to keep on winning!”
With almost 10,000 spectators this week passing through the gates of Rockliffe Hall, hosting the English Senior Open for a second successive year, attendance was almost double that experienced when the tournament returned to the Senior Tour following a six-year absence in 2013.
“The return of the English Senior Open has been one of the most successful events we have ever held,” said Rockliffe Hall Chairman Warwick Brindle. “It’s been a real coup for the North East of England to hold such a prestigious sporting event and we’d like to thank the people behind the Tour, the golfers, our sponsors and, most importantly, the members of the public that came and made it such a fantastic event for the second year running.”
But to the victor, the spoils.
Cesar Monasterio: He came, he saw, he conquered…
