The U.S. Adaptive Open continues to grow.
The event conducted by the United States Golf Association entertained 278 entries for 2024. This growth was the impetus for some changes to deal with the demand.
For the first time 18 hole qualifiers were conducted by Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) at six sites across the United States to fill the spots not already held by exempt players.
The championship is open to both male and female professional and amateur golfers with a World Handicap System™ Handicap Index of 36.4 or less and an eligible impairment confirmed by a WR4GD Pass. The impairment categories are as follows:
- Upper Limb Impairment
- Intellectual Impairment
- Lower Limb Impairment
- Multiple Limb Amputee
- Neurological Impairment
- Seated Players
- Short Stature
- Vision Impairment
Ultimately there are 96 players now finalized to compete at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kansas, from July 8-10. The competitors will come from 32 states and 11 countries.
One of those nations represented wil be Canada who has nine citizens taking part in this ground-breaking tournament.
Those players, their category, and how they qualified are as follows:
- Russell Aide, 17, Upper Limb Impairment, Qualifier
- Kurtis Barkley, 36, Short Stature, Exempt
- Dustin Boydell, 37, Neurological Impairment, Qualifier
- Jesse Florkowski, 34, Upper Limb Impairment, Qualifier
- Kiefer Jones, 34, Vision Impairment, Exempt
- Natasha Stasiuk, 26, Intellectual Impairment, Exempt
- Tessa Trojan, 35, Intellectual Impairment, Qualifier
- Joshua Williams, 39, Lower Limb Impairment, Qualifier
- Chris Willis, 43, Upper Limb Impairment, Exempt
The championship will be contested over 54 holes of stroke play. Multiple sets of tees will be utilized. Carts are permitted for all players and caddies.
“We were inspired by the level of interest and support that we received from the golf community during the past two U.S. Adaptive Opens,” said John Bodenhamer, chief championships officer for the USGA. “We are thrilled to go to Sand Creek Station to celebrate and witness the passion of these athletes who have earned their opportunity to compete for a national championship.”
This year’s championship will administer a cut for the first time, with the cut being made by low score (top 20 for men, top 10 for women), plus low two and ties from each impairment category after two rounds. Additional information on the U.S. Adaptive Open can be found here.
