THE 2023 U.S. SENIOR OPEN tee’s off this week from Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. Defending champion Padraig Harrington is in the field. So is Wisconsin’s very own Steve Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. For more information visit USGA.org.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram
The U.S. Senior Open trophy-the Francis D. Ouimet, on display at Sentry World. Photo by Rory Spears.
The U.S. Open comes back to the Midwest, with the 43rd playing of the U.S. Senior Open.
Contested by men at the age of 50 years or older.
The U.S. Senior Open is the 17th USGA Championship contested in the State of Wisconsin. But the U.S. Senior Open was last played in Wisconsin in 2007 at Whistling Straits. Brad Bryant won the championship on the Pete Dye designed golf course.
The famous Par-3 16th hole-The Flower Hole. Will be colorful again.
But this years U.S. Senior Open will play as one of the longer ones, from a yardage standpoint at-7,218 yards.
But that yardage can change either way, because of weather conditions. Par will be 71. So while this years purse is still TBD-it’s expected to at least match last years amount of $4 million dollars.
Defending champion Padraig Harrington received a check in 2022 for $720,000. But this years winner should expect a few more dollars.
The 2023 U.S. Senior Open could turn out to be another battle of what is shaping up to be a major rivalry in senior golf. In 2021 Wisconsin’s Steve Stricker lead Team USA to a win over Team Europe at Whistling Straits, the European was captained by Harrington.
Padraig Harrington is the defending champion in the U.S. Senior Open.
But more recently in the 2023 Senior PGA, it was Stricker again who won the title, this time in a playoff over Harrington. So this years Senior Open is a chance for Harrington to take down Stricker in his home state, in front of his home fans. But Wisconsin’s hopes for a local champion don’t just ride on the shoulders of Stricker. Because Jerry Kelly who has been a force on the champions tour, will likely be right in the middle of leaderboard. So if Stricker and Harrington focus too much on each other, it could be Kelly that walks home a winner.
CLICK HERE to hear an interview of 2022 U.S. Senior Open Champion Padraig Harrington.
CLICK HERE to hear an interview with Wisconsin native Jerry Kelly.
The 3,066 entries received by the USGA, was the second largest amount in U.S. Senior Open history. Missing the all-time mark of 3,101, by only 35 entries.
The tee shot on the 18th hole at Sentry World, home of the 2023 U.S. Senior Open.
So golfers have to be 50 years of age or older by June 29th to be eligible to compete.
Amateurs are welcome to qualify for the championship. But their handicaps must not exceed 3.4.
Professional golfers from Illinois that qualified for the championship include, University of Illinois Golf Coach Mike Small. Glen Oak head golf professional Danny Mulhearn.
CLICK HERE to hear an interview with 2023 U.S. Senior Open Champion Director, Ben Kimball of the USGA.
Round 1 begins on Thurday, with the fourth and final round on Sunday. But should their be a need for a playoff, it will take place on Sunday night. So for more information on the championship see USGA.org.
But more good news for golfers is that, Sentry World reopens for public play finally, on the 4th of July. So go play where the professionals play. So while you are there, stay in the Inn at Sentry World some of best golf lodging available in Wisconsin.