The 2009 Benahavis Senior Masters Pro-Am
As an SEO professional brought in to optimize the newly resurrected BenahavisSeniorMasters.com site, I was immediately impressed by the historical and emotional weight behind the tournament. The detailed recollections of the 2009 Pro-Am at La Quinta and the dramatic playoff win by Carl Mason give this site a rich authenticity that’s rare in most niche sports domains. Unfortunately, shortly after the relaunch, I noticed something was wrong—the site lost virtually all of its rankings. My first instinct was to assume I had made a technical misstep. I reviewed everything: canonical tags, crawl accessibility, content structure. Nothing stood out. Then I dug into the backlinks.
What I discovered was a textbook case of negative SEO. Hundreds of spammy, irrelevant backlinks were pointing at the domain—likely an attempt to make it look like we were engaging in manipulative link-building. I’ve solved many penalties over the years, so it was familiar territory: I ran a full link vet, categorized toxic domains, and submitted a disavow file. It worked, and the site began recovering. Still, I can’t help but feel that Google needs to do a better job identifying these third-party attacks. It’s not just rankings at stake—businesses suffer, traffic dries up, and money gets spent fixing a problem that shouldn’t exist in the first place. Ironically, while I’ve been vocal about how devastating penalties can be, I still believe they’re essential. The quality of search results depends on them. But the system needs to get better at distinguishing between actual overoptimization and deliberate sabotage. In the meantime, I’m just glad this meaningful slice of senior golf history is back online—and ranking where it belongs
Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th October 2009
The Benahavís Senior Masters Pro-Am
After a 5 year absence from the south of Spain, the European Senior Tour is returning to play in the beautiful region of Benahavís. The three day professional tournament will be preceded by a two day Pro-Am, where the amateurs will play alongside some of the world's most renowned senior golfers such as Manuel Piñero, José Rivero, Victor Garcia, Sam Torrance, Costantino Rocca and Juan Quiros.
The two day Pro-Am will be played at La Quinta Golf & Country Club in Spain - one of Benahavís' finest golf courses.
Pro-Am Format & Timings:
- 09.00 - First matches tee off
- Refreshments are served at the halfway stage
- Day One:
- Lunch in the Clubhouse
- Day Two:
- Champagne Reception in the Clubhouse
- Pro-Am Lunch
- Auction and Raffle
The Benahavís Senior Masters Pro-Am Team Package
- 1 team of three amateurs in each day of the Tournament Pro-Am
- 3 VIP tickets to two Benahavís Senior Masters Pro-Am Luncheons
- European Senior Tour professional for each day of the Pro-Am
- Preferential Rates at the tournament hotel
- Tournament Pro-Am Goody Bag
Price
£2,750 (3,300€) per team - this will include two nights accommodation at The Westin Hotel & Resort
£2,000 (2,400€) per team - if you do not require accommodation
Pro-Am Entry Form
Please register your team
For further information please contact Sophia Tabiowo at WSM Sponsorship
+44 (0) 207 590 7510 / +44 (0) 7793 804 115
sophia.tabiowo@wsmsponsorship.com
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The Winner: Carl Mason
Although he was a journey man golfer for more than 20 years on the European Tour, Carl Mason’s biggest successes have occurred after his turning 50. Since then he has picked up 25 tournament victories and headed the Order of Merit three times, becoming the highest career money winner on the European Seniors Tour.
Carl Mason took a step closer to European Senior Tour golf history when he beat Scotland’s Gordon Brand Jnr at the second play-off hole to claim the 2009 Benahavis Senior Masters played at the La Quinta Country Club in Spain. This victory, at the La Quinta Golf and Country Club, was the 56 year old Englishman’s 22nd Senior Tour title.
On the final day of the tournament, both Carl Mason and Brand Jrn finished at seven under par 206 after respective closing rounds of 68. Mason holed from a 15 feet put on the final green to book his place in the play-off. The previous day’s leader, Ross Drummond could not repeat in the final group, although the 52 year old Scot did take a third place on his own with a six under par 207.
Brand Jr was seeking his first Senior Tour title since turning 50 the previous August. He missed a ten feet put at the first playoff hole on the 18th green. Mason with a long 25 feet put on the 2nd playoff hole took the title.
“This is just great, I am absolutely delighted to have won, even more so for the fact that I didn’t really expect it today,” said Mason. “Nothing much was happening for me on the front nine and, at that point, I was really just thinking of trying to consolidate my position and finish as best I could.
“Then, all of a sudden, things started to happen, I make a couple of birdies and started hitting a few good shots and other things went my way elsewhere and, before you know it, I’ve won. Amazing. As for getting close to **Tommy’s record, I’m getting there. If I keep playing well and keep going then I might have a chance to do it – it would be a great achievement to do so.”
**Tommy Horton, a fellow Englishman held the all-time record of 23 titles at the time.
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Leader Board for the Three Days
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More Background On The Benahavis Senior Masters
The Benahavis Senior Masters, held annually at La Quinta Golf & Country Club in Spain from 2009 to 2012, was a cornerstone event for senior golfers and enthusiasts, reinforcing the Costa del Sol’s reputation as a golfing hub. This event, part of the European Senior Tour, attracted legendary golfers over the age of 50 who demonstrated their skill, resilience, and passion for the sport.
The Foundation and Evolution of the Tournament
The Benahavis Senior Masters was introduced in 2009 as a way to bring high-level senior golf to the region of Benahavís. This picturesque Spanish village near Marbella was already known for its stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and sophisticated lifestyle. With the addition of a prestigious golf tournament, Benahavís attracted international attention, positioning itself as a luxurious destination for golf tourism.
Over the four years it was held, the Benahavis Senior Masters grew in stature, with each edition featuring a competitive roster of celebrated golfers. The tournament was well-regarded for its organization, with professional management from the European Senior Tour and the support of local sponsors who were keen to highlight the region’s attractions. Each year, the tournament was played over three days, with an accompanying two-day pro-am event that allowed amateur golfers the rare chance to play alongside legends.
Key Moments and Players
The Benahavis Senior Masters consistently featured renowned names in the world of senior golf, creating memorable moments that resonated with fans. Carl Mason, a dominant figure on the Senior Tour, played a significant role in the tournament’s history. In 2009, he claimed victory in a tense playoff, defeating Scotland’s Gordon Brand Jnr on the second extra hole. This win marked Mason’s 22nd Senior Tour title and underscored his status as one of the most successful senior golfers of the time. Mason returned to triumph again in 2011, capturing his 25th title and setting a record on the European Senior Tour. His performance at Benahavís was lauded as one of his most remarkable achievements, solidifying his legacy.
In 2010, Thai golfer Boonchu Ruangkit added to the excitement with a stunning victory. His commanding performance, finishing seven shots clear of the competition, reflected his exceptional form that season, where he earned multiple titles and the Senior Tour Order of Merit. Gary Wolstenholme, a highly decorated amateur golfer from England, won the tournament in its final year, 2012. His victory at the Benahavis Senior Masters was a testament to his transition from amateur dominance to success on the senior professional circuit.
Venue: La Quinta Golf & Country Club
The La Quinta Golf & Country Club was the ideal venue for the Benahavis Senior Masters, with its challenging course layout and scenic views that appealed to players and spectators alike. Designed by Manuel Piñero, a former Ryder Cup player, the course boasts 27 holes split into three sets of nine, allowing for versatile configurations. The terrain, characterized by rolling fairways, strategic bunkers, and Mediterranean flora, tested the skills and strategies of even the most experienced golfers.
Beyond the competition, La Quinta offered an environment that showcased the elegance and natural beauty of Benahavís, making the tournament a pleasant experience for attendees. The golf club also provided world-class amenities, including dining facilities, a spa, and a golf academy, enhancing its reputation as a premium destination on the Costa del Sol.
Cultural and Social Significance
The tournament had a cultural impact that went beyond golf. By attracting international visitors, it boosted local tourism and stimulated economic activity in the Benahavís area. The event coincided with various social activities, from gala dinners to charity auctions, which were attended by both locals and visitors. These activities allowed the local community to engage with the event and benefit from its presence, while also contributing to charitable causes through fundraising efforts.
Additionally, the Benahavis Senior Masters emphasized the European Senior Tour’s commitment to fostering a connection with younger generations. During each tournament, junior golf clinics were held, providing local youth the opportunity to interact with professional golfers, learn about the sport, and practice their skills. This outreach initiative was widely appreciated and helped build interest in golf among the region’s younger population.
Media and Public Reception
The Benahavis Senior Masters received positive media coverage each year, with golfing publications and sports networks extensively covering the event. The European Senior Tour, as well as various international sports media outlets, provided in-depth articles, interviews, and live coverage, enabling fans around the world to follow the tournament’s highlights. The Costa del Sol’s appeal as a golf destination was frequently emphasized in coverage, as were the unique qualities of the La Quinta course.
Spectators and fans praised the event for its accessible yet high-quality format, which allowed fans to closely follow their favorite players. The pro-am event was a popular feature, enabling amateur golfers to experience the thrill of professional competition and fostering camaraderie between pros and amateurs. The event’s organization, location, and quality of play were consistently praised by participants and spectators alike, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Senior Tour’s top events.
Legacy and Impact on the Region
Though the Benahavis Senior Masters was last held in 2012, its legacy continues to influence the European Senior Tour and the region. The tournament showcased some of the finest senior golf talents and solidified Benahavís’ reputation as a leading golf destination in Spain. The presence of world-class golfers and their achievements brought attention to the Costa del Sol as a competitive golf region, attracting further golf tourism and investment.
The cultural and economic impact of the Benahavis Senior Masters contributed to the development of the local area, and its influence remains evident. La Quinta Golf & Country Club continues to be a sought-after venue, attracting golfers from around the world who wish to play on a course that once hosted such an esteemed event. The tournament left a lasting impression on fans and players, and many still reminisce about its memorable matches and the friendships forged on the fairways of La Quinta.