Senior golfers bring European team championship to Stegersbach

Europe’s top golfers aged 70 and over 75 are competing for the title at the European Senior Golf Team Championship in Stegersbach, ORF reported. The ESGA Masters Team Trophy is being held in Austria for the first time, with 120 participants from 20 countries taking part.

The Stegersbach course meets the tournament’s requirements, according to European Golf Association President Billy Mitchell. “I played the course yesterday and had a fantastic time. I am sure all the participants will have a great week here,” he said.

No athlete from Burgenland is competing. The teams are playing in a four-ball or best-ball format, in which the better score on each hole counts.

“The participants have known one another for decades,” said Alfred Füsselberger, president of the Austrian Senior Golfers’ Association. He said the players showed great respect and appreciation for one another while also maintaining a strong competitive drive.

For many participants, winning is no longer the only priority. Austrian senior golfer Werner Fraiss said it was more important to be together, play on a good course, enjoy fine weather and take part in the event.

Swede Jan Andhagen, who won the junior European team championship 50 years ago, said he was now trying to win again. “But it is a tough competition. You never know,” he said.

The oldest participant is 88-year-old Luxembourger Hubert Fuhrmann. He said people could play golf for that long, but not everyone could do so. Staying active was important, he said, adding that he had run marathons and continued to exercise to remain fit.