VILLAGE OF PINHURST, N.C. – The United States Golf Association announced its 15th Championship last summer in the Sandhills region of North Carolina. After an overwhelmingly positive response, the U.S. Adaptive Open has returned with only a few changes to the original set up.
The response was very positive. Stephanie Parel, the championship director said: “It was so much fun. “We never felt that we were working.” It is still exciting to be part of the project and to be here.
The USGA rarely holds a championship at the same place two years in a line, but the Adaptive Championship in Pinehurst No. 6 was a rare luxury. The championship will be held at Pinehurst No. 6 again. The Championship will move on to Sand Creek Station, Newton, Kansas in 2024. But for two more rounds, it is proud to be the Cradle of American Golf.
The resort staff and volunteers here are outstanding. Parel said, “They made it easy for us.” This golf course is perfect for the championship. It has unique features that are in line with this event.
Pinehurst No. 6 is a perfect course to host the championship, with its catch players from tee to green and easily accessible bunkers. The course is perfect for hosting the championship and only a few minor changes are needed in 2023.
Kellie Valentine hits a shot at the fifth hole in the first round of 2023 U.S. Adaptive Open, Pinehurst Resort & C.C. (Course No. (Course No. (Jeff Haynes/USGA)
“We didn’t make any major changes to the course layout in terms of grass heights or anything like that. Parel said that they added another set of tees, so there are now three tees for men and women. This allows us to create the same tees for both genders, and for all categories of impairment.
Players with a single arm, or those with two arms, will use the middle tees. Those with a club and / or attachment will use the back tees. Only seated players will be allowed to use the front tees.
This year, in response to player feedback, the USGA will also be using yellow flagsticks as well as caddie bibs (bibs with yellow stripes) for players who are visually impaired.
Parel explained, “We want players to know that we truly embrace this player demographic and want to do all we can to give them the championship they deserve.” “We feel very lucky to have this opportunity and to listen to our players.” We asked them for feedback and they provided it. We were very pleased with the response.
The 54-hole, three-day event that began Monday will crown men and women overall winners out of the 96 participants, as well individual winners for both genders in eight categories, including: Arm Impairment and Leg Impairment; Multiple Limb Amputees, Vision Impairment and Intellectual Impairment; Neurological Impairment and Seated Players.
Golf Channel dedicates the last 30 minutes of Golf Central on Wednesday (5-6 pm ET) to the U.S. Adaptive Open trophy ceremony. The U.S. Adaptive Open Trophy Ceremony will be the focus of Golf Channel’s final 30 minutes on Wednesday, 5-6 p.m. ET. The championship is open to all and there is no entry fee.
They are all great golfers who enjoy the game just like us. Parel said that they are not only talented, but also fun. They seem to be having a great time. They’re fantastic with everyone, and they enjoy the social side of the game. You don’t see that often in competitions. It’s a real pleasure to be with them.
