Senior Open Champion Paul Broadhurst has been awarded the John Jacobs Trophy after topping the European Senior Tour Order of Merit in his first full season.
The Englishman has accumulated earnings of €399,285, almost €190,000 ahead of his closest rival, Rookie of the Year Magnus P Atlevi who finished on €211,557.
The 51 year old’s stunning victory at the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex moved him to the top of the Senior Tour money list, where he has remained since his famous win at Carnoustie.
Broadhurst was presented with the Trophy after his second-placed finish at the MCB Tour Championship at Constance Belle Mare Plage, Mauritius.
Reflecting on his week, Broadhurst said: “It was an important week for me to finish the season on a high. I didn’t want to finish 40th and chop my way around the course only to then accept the trophy.
“Being awarded it, it’s another goal achieved. I set out a few goals when I turned 50, to win tournaments and the Order of Merit, and I’ve achieved those. It has been a great 18 months since turning 50.
Broadhurst joined the Senior Tour last year, securing a win in his debut event, the Prostate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open, and started the 2016 season in fine fashion.
The 1991 Ryder Cup player made the cut at the US Senior PGA Championship Presented by KitchenAid and then secured a runner-up finish at the SSE Enterprise Wales Senior Open.
On European soil, consecutive tied eighth finishes followed his result in Wales, and he finished runner-up at the WINSTONgolf Senior Open.
After his first round on the hallowed links of Carnoustie, Broadhurst looked out of the running, finishing three over par and tied for 73rd, seven shots off the pace. But he carded a stunning six under par second round to move to within four shots of the lead.
He then moved up to tied second after his third round, and played in the final pair with Miguel Angel Jiménez. A four under par final round saw him take the title, giving us one of the most iconic images of the season – sharing the celebrations with his son, and caddie, Sam.
Broadhurst became the first player since Fred Couples in 2012 to win the most prestigious event of the Senior Tour calendar on their debut and the first Englishman to win the title since Neil Coles won the first edition of the tournament in 1987.
“I’d like to thank my family, my coach back in Northampton, Tim Rouse, and Nick Soto who has really helped me with my putting.
“My wife has been fantastic supporting me this year, and I’ve got understanding children. I’ve missed out on a lot of their childhood, but hopefully they’ll reap the benefits. There are days when you think the hard work isn’t worth it, but days like this and my win at the Senior Open make it really special.”
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