It was an unforgettable U.S. Open. Each player of the 96-player field for the U.S. Adaptive Open shared a story. It was one that could inspire and uplift both disabled and able-bodied players to strive for excellence.
Pinehurst No. 2 was home to 24 players. Six players had handicaps that were better than the rest. Both amateurs and pros, both men and women, competed together. Judi Brush, 80 years old (leg impairment), was the oldest player. Sophia Howard, 15, was the youngest (arm impairment).
Dennis Walters said, “If you were there, I don’t think that you would ever forget it.”
Dennis Walters prepares for the 2022 U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst No. 6 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. (Photo by Jeff Haynes/USGA).
Walters, who won the seated player division, said that he would like to see all those involved in golf come out to the Adaptive Open. This includes players from the PGA Tour and LPGA, as well as golf manufacturers.
At least five players were male and two women in each category of impairment: multiple limb amputees, arm impairment, leg impairment and vision impairment. There were also two players who were short stature and seated players. There were four separate yards used, ranging from 4,700 to 6,500 yards. Both men and women competed within the same categories.
The inaugural champions were Simon Lee from South Korea (intellectual impairment), and Kim Moore (head coach at Western Michigan), who were both born with a severely injured left foot and a left foot without limbs.
Although the competitors showed appreciation, it was really a gift for the game.
U.S. CEO Mike Whan stated that “this isn’t just about money and contracts.” Mike Whan, CEO of the Golf Association, said that “this is all about meaning.”
It will be a game unlike any other.
