Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Pictures from the US Senior Open

I didn't make it down to the practice round of the US Senior Open at Hutchinson's Prairie Dunes on the 4th of July, but I plan on going down again today. Here are more pictures from Monday.


Allen Doyle, last year's US Senior Open champion, talks with a reporter in front of the clubhouse.


Golf tricker and entertainer Dennis Walters (holding club straight up) gives an entertaining clinic to onlookers at the driving range. Walters, paralyzed from the waist down in an accident 30 years ago, encourages people to follow their dreams and overcome obstacles. Check out his website here.


Bob Gilder tees off on the par 3 #2. Hey Bob, sorry that I snapped this picture in the middle of your swing!


Tom Watson assesses his tee shot on #2. He hit it on the green. No surprise, Watson leads the Champions Tour in greens-in-regulation. If he can putt, he's got a great chance this week. Watson happens to be an honorary member of Prairie Dunes.


Watson putts on #2 green. The practice rounds give golfers the chance to putt from different points on the green and anticipate where the cup might be located during the tournament.


Watson's group walks up #11 fairway. The links style layout of Prairie Dunes is one reason that Golf Digest has consistently rated it one the best courses in the United States (currently #24). It also features lots of wildlife habitat.


Tom Kite makes a note to himself about the green at #13.


Kite signs an autograph. Most players carry a Sharpie in their pocket and sign for fans inbetween walks from the green to tee. That won't happen during the tournament.


Kite's classic follow through seen here as he tees off on #15, a par 3. Players need to hit the green on all the par 3s. If they don't, they face a dreadful uphill chip shot in deep grass.


Ben Crenshaw satisfies an autographer's request. Crenshaw loves Prairie Dunes and is a big golf history fan.


Crenshaw-- a two-time Master's chamption--tees off on the par 4 16th hole.

I'm excited to go back and see more action!

No comments: