Our Sam’s back on top of the world
CITY.A.M columnist Sam Torrance reclaimed the tag of world No1 last night after clinching his third European Senior Tour Order of Merit title in a thrilling season finale.
The Scot’s third place at the Castellon Masters in Spain, meant he finished just €3,380 ahead of fellow ex-Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam in the closest contest since 2000.
It was Torrance’s third Order of Merit title following victories in 2005 and 2006, but the 55-year-old said it tasted the sweetest yet.
“It means the world to me,” Torrance said. “I’m delighted, over the moon. I’m the best Senior player in Europe this year. That feels fantastic. This week was so important and I managed to do it. It means more to me than anything else.
“It’s been a great battle between me and Woosie. I said last year I wanted to get his title off him and I’ve done it. I only won one event but I dug in over the year.
“This Order of Merit is actually sweeter than the other two. The older you get the harder it is. With each year that goes by you get older and it’s not like the main Tour where you are 18 or 21 and gaining experience. So it’s a fantastic achievement.”
Torrance’s victory is all the more impressive given he has battled with a hand injury for most of the season.
A source close to him added: “Bearing in mind the injuries he has had, it’s been an incredible season for Sam. Just think what he could achieve in a season without injury – the Seniors Open must surely be in his sights.”
Torrance now equals Carl Mason’s feat of three John Jacobs Trophy wins, and is now just two behind Tommy Horton’s record of five.
Read Sam in tomorrow’s City.A.M.