A mood of sadness has passed over the Emirates Australian
Open as an icon of the game announced his retirement.

Australian fan favourite, Peter Senior played six holes in
the second round of the Emirates Australian Open but mind couldn’t overcome
body.

With his son Mitch on the bag and wife June by his side,
Senior departed the golf course, injury having ravaged his body.

"It’s a tough one to swallow I have been out here for
nearly 40 years and have enjoyed every minute," said Senior. 

"To see it come to an end you
look back on its pretty disappointing to finish this way."

It’s been an incredible career spanning almost four decades
with Senior providing plenty of thrills for Australian fans along the way.

Senior has won 34 career titles all over the world including
23 on the PGA Tour of Australasia, four on the European Tour and three on the
Japan Tour.

Senior is the only player to have won the Australian PGA
Championship in his 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.

In 2012, at the age of 53 he stunned the field to win the
Emirates Australian Open as wind gusts blew over TV towers at The Lakes.

Just three years later, Senior won the Australian Masters; he
is the oldest winner of both Championships.

Turning Professional in 1978 Senior is the only player in
PGA Tour of Australasia history to have won in five different decades; 1970’s, 1980’s,
1990’s, 2000’s, 2010’s.

For all his accolades, Senior’s fondest memories from his
career will be of the people he has met along the way.

"The golf’s
fantastic no matter where we play.  It’s
the people surrounding the golf who have been fantastic," added Senior. 

"The PGA guys and girls, all the tournament directors
I have got to know, it’s sad that we won’t be getting together again."

While this is a sad day for Australian golf, Senior believed
the future of the game is in safe hands.

"There is always going to be
good young guys coming through.  You know
I’ve always said sport runs in cycles and we’ve
got three or four really good guys coming through at the moment," added Senior.

"So I think in the next three
or four years of Australian golf will be pretty good."

In a final word from Peter Senior, he thanked his fans.

"I really appreciate all the
support," added Senior. 

"I cannot believe how many
people come down to see me in the later years of my life and the wins I have
had recently on the Australian Tour."