A Celebration of Golf’s Greatest Champions
Introduction
The Legends Tour is Europe’s premier senior professional golf tour, serving as the official over-50s circuit under the DP World Tour umbrella. Recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), it provides a platform for legendary players, rising senior stars, and elite amateur golfers to compete at a high level.
Established in 1992 as the European Senior Tour, the Legends Tour has featured some of golf’s biggest icons, including Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, and Ian Woosnam. This article explores the history, format, qualification process, notable tournaments, past champions, and the global significance of the Legends Tour.
A Storied Legacy: The History of the Legends Tour
Origins and Evolution
The Legends Tour began as the European Senior Tour in 1992, offering a competitive circuit for players aged 50 and older. In 2020, it was rebranded as the Legends Tour following a partnership with Staysure and the DP World Tour, leading to increased prize funds and global exposure.
Key Milestones
- 1992 – Formation of the European Senior Tour.
- 2000 – Recognition by the OWGR, allowing players to earn world ranking points.
- 2017 – Partnership with Staysure, introducing the Staysure PGA Seniors Championship.
- 2020 – Rebranded as the Legends Tour, featuring enhanced formats and pro-am experiences.
Understanding the Format of the Legends Tour
Season Structure
The Legends Tour runs from March to November, featuring:
- Full-field events, where senior professionals compete for ranking points and prize money.
- Celebrity and amateur Pro-Am events, providing a unique player experience.
- Co-sanctioned tournaments with the PGA Tour Champions and Asian Tour.
- The Order of Merit rankings, determining season-long success.
Pathway to Senior Major Golf
Top performers on the Legends Tour Order of Merit earn:
- Exemptions into The Senior Open Championship.
- Opportunities on the PGA Tour Champions.
- Invitation to exclusive pro-am and celebrity events.
🏌️♂️ GOAT Tour Hub
Major Tournaments on the Legends Tour
The Legends Tour hosts some of the most prestigious senior golf tournaments worldwide.
Flagship Events
- The Senior Open Championship – Europe’s only senior major championship, often hosted at The Open venues.
- Staysure PGA Seniors Championship – One of the oldest senior golf events, dating back to 1957.
- The Irish Legends – A popular stop on the tour, featuring legendary links courses.
- Muirfield Legends Trophy – An invitation-only event featuring former major champions.
- Swiss Seniors Open – Played in the stunning Swiss Alps, offering one of the most scenic venues on tour.
These events provide Official World Golf Ranking points and direct qualification routes to senior major championships.
🏆 Champions of the Last Five Seasons
2023 Order of Merit Winner: Adilson da Silva (Brazil)
- Major Win: The Legends Tour Trophy
- Key Achievement: Finished as season-long No. 1.
2022 Order of Merit Winner: James Kingston (South Africa)
- Major Win: Staysure PGA Seniors Championship
- Key Achievement: Dominated the season with multiple wins.
2021 Order of Merit Winner: Stephen Dodd (Wales)
- Major Win: The Senior Open Championship
- Key Achievement: Earned exemption into senior majors.
2020 Season Disrupted by COVID-19
- Limited events played, with no official Order of Merit winner.
2019 Order of Merit Winner: Phillip Price (Wales)
- Major Win: Irish Legends
- Key Achievement: Maintained consistency throughout the season.
Golfing Icons & Their Journey Through the Legends Tour
The Legends Tour has featured some of the biggest names in golf, many of whom enjoyed legendary careers before transitioning to senior competition.
Notable Players & Champions
- Colin Montgomerie (Scotland) – Multiple-time Legends Tour winner and senior major champion.
- Miguel Ángel Jiménez (Spain) – One of the most charismatic players, known for his victories across global senior circuits.
- Ian Woosnam (Wales) – Former Masters champion and Ryder Cup captain.
- Bernhard Langer (Germany) – Dominated the PGA Tour Champions after winning on the Legends Tour.
- Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) – Former Open Champion who won the Senior Open Championship on this tour.
These legends have elevated the prestige and competitive level of the Legends Tour.
Traditions & The Order of Merit Trophy
Notable Traditions
- The Senior Open’s Prestigious History – Played at legendary Open Championship venues.
- The Pro-Am Format – A unique element that allows amateurs to compete alongside legends.
- Legends Tour Order of Merit Trophy – Awarded annually to the top-ranked player of the season.
The Order of Merit
The Order of Merit standings determine access to:
- Senior major championships, including The Senior Open.
- PGA Tour Champions and global senior invitations.
- Exclusive Legends Tour Invitational events.
Record-Breaking Moments & Fascinating Facts
- Most Legends Tour Wins: Carl Mason (25 titles).
- Youngest Legends Tour Winner: Miguel Ángel Jiménez (50 years, 5 days).
- Oldest Winner: Bernhard Langer (63 years).
- Largest Winning Margin: 10 strokes (Colin Montgomerie, 2014 Scottish Senior Open).
- Highest Career Earnings: Colin Montgomerie.
Why the Legends Tour Matters in Global Golf
The Legends Tour is one of the most prestigious senior circuits, offering:
- A competitive arena for former major champions and Ryder Cup stars.
- Opportunities for rising senior players to compete at the highest level.
- Access to senior major championships through the Order of Merit.
- A unique mix of professional and pro-am tournaments, increasing fan engagement.
With growing prize funds, elite competition, and legendary venues, the Legends Tour is stronger than ever.
Final Thoughts
The Legends Tour stands as a global leader in senior professional golf, bridging the gap between competitive golf and legendary careers. With its rich history, growing prestige, and elite player fields, it remains a vital part of the professional golf ecosystem.
