NEWPORT, Rhode Island – The 44th U.S. Senior Open, a prestigious event that brings together some of the greatest names in the world of golf, is set to take place at the historic Newport Country Club from June 27 to June 30, 2024. Sports fans throughout New England are aware that this golf event promises a blend of thrilling golf, engaging activities and a touch of local charm.
Newport Country Club is one of five founding clubs of the USGA dating back to 1894 and is the first U.S. Senior Open to be held here. This is the its fifth USGA championship, including the inaugural held in 1895. The major championship features a field of 156 of the world’s best professional and amateur senior golfers over the age of 50 open to professional golfers and amateurs with a Handicap Index® not exceeding 2.4.
Eleven champions, including two-time winner and defending champion Bernhard Langer, are among the 3,019 entries accepted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) for the 44th edition of U.S. Senior Open.
This year’s entry total surpassed the 3,000 mark for the fifth time and is the third-highest in championship history. The record was established in 2002, when 3,101 applied to play. The USGA accepted entries for the 2024 championship from golfers in all 50 U.S. states, including 31 from host state Rhode Island, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 43 foreign countries.
“The USGA is pleased to return to Newport Country Club, one of the Association’s five founding members and the place where the first U.S. Amateur and first U.S. Open were conducted,” said USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer. “Once again, the number of entries represents the great interest that thousands of golfers worldwide have in competing for a place in senior golf’s most prestigious championship and ultimately hoisting the Francis D. Ouimet Trophy as champion.”
Bernhard Langer, age 66 is the 2010 and 2023 titleholder who just returned to competition following an Achilles tear, and 10 other U.S. Senior Open champions are fully exempt from having to qualify for the championship. They are: Olin Browne (2011), Fred Funk (2009), Jim Furyk (2021), Padraig Harrington (2022), Jeff Maggert (2015), Colin Montgomerie (2014), Kenny Perry (2013, 2017), Gene Sauers (2016), Steve Stricker (2019) and David Toms (2018). Last year at SentryWorld in Stevens Point, Wis., Langer, at age 65, became the seventh player to win multiple Senior Opens while becoming the oldest-ever champion.
Rhode Island native Brett Quigley who finished T4 at last year’s event is is thrilled that the event is coming to the Ocean State for the first time.
“I get goosebumps just thinking about it,” he said. “The clubhouse, the property, I know a lot of the history behind it, and the golf course is a beautiful walk. It’s a fun place being home at Newport, that’s special. Rhode Island is really special and loves golf. Newport Country Club, the first Open, first Amateur there – really cool stuff. I know they’re excited for that championship and certainly I am too.”
Tickets are available online at the USGA website offering varying packages including Daily Founders Club, Daily Gallery, Weekly Founders Club, Weekly Gallery and Gallery 5-Pack. Prices range from $25 – $275. Children 17 and under can request a complimentary Gallery ticket for any day of the event at the Ticket Office with a ticketed or credentialed adult. Maximum of four (4) Junior tickets of any age per ticketed or credentialed adult. Junior tickets cannot be obtained in advance.
The military policy is extended to active and retired military members only. For the U.S. Senior Open, active and retired military members can request a complimentary Gallery ticket +1 guest ticket via an online registration process. All military tickets must be reserved in advance. Re-entry into the championship will be permitted. Individuals leaving the property and returning later must stop by one of the fan gates and have their hand stamped prior to exiting the championship to be eligible for re-entry.
Newport Country Club is where Tiger Woods won his second U.S. Amateur title in 1995 and where Annika Sorenstam won the U.S. Women’s Open in 2006. Expect a steady, prevailing wind that blows in from the Atlantic Ocean to be a factor into the scoring with the course set up to play 35-35-70 at 7,070 yards.
If you’re thinking about a Father’s Day gift to that golfing Dad then do not hesitate. A ticket to the 2024 U.S. Senior Open at historic Newport Country Club is the answer!
https://championships.usga.org/ussenioropen.html
https://www.newportcountryclub.us/
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