Spain’s Santiago Luna is over the moon after his powering his way to a one stroke victory in the SSE Scottish Seniors at the Fairmont Resort, St. Andrews Bay.
Luna, 50 posted a final round 71 in bright but cold and windy conditions for a five under but par tally and one fewer than Torrance (70) and Ireland’s Denis O’Sullivan (72) on four under par.
It is only the Madrid-born Luna’s second Tour victory after capturing the 1995 Madeira Islands Open in 1995 on the main Tour.
However Luna is remembered mostly for downing Tiger Woods in the semi-final of the 1998 Alfred Dunhill Cup that put Spain into the final against South Africa in the now defunct team’s event.
“The Dunhill Cup was different history but not because I beat Tiger but because we needed a point to get into the final,” he said.
Spain’s Santiago Luna over the moon in powering his way to SSE Scottish Seniors Open victory. (Photo – Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)
“That week in 1998 was just unbelievable because I had my good friends Jose Maria (Olazabal) and Miguel Angel (Martin) as my partners.
“Back then I knew if I played against Tiger 90 times he would beat me 89 times as I won the other one time.
“Now my biggest concern is that it’s been such a long time for me since I last won and I am not sure if I can make a speech because it’s been a long time since I last made a winner’s speech.
“But I just love St. Andrews and it is very special to win here at the Home of Golf.”
Miguel Angel Martin (73) who was seventh was among the first to congratulate Luna.
Sam Torrance will celebrate his 60th birthday on Saturday but any chance of a double celebration ended with a roller-coaster last seven holes that included three birdies including one at the last, but also two bogeys.
“I had 34 putts today and that was really the story but then, as you know, playing with the long putter in this wind is a nightmare,” said Torrance.
“After the rain we had on Saturday this final day was the toughest day in this wind without a doubt.
“But I’m delighted with the played so thanks dad, and it’s not a bad effort for my last event in my 50s.”
