Field Is Set for Inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Jun 02, 2022

The first-ever U.S. Adaptive Open, scheduled for July, will feature 96 golfers competing at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, course no. 6, in Pinehurst, N.C.

The field includes Amy Bockerstette, 23, who became famous after a 2019 viral video of her playing a hole with PGA Tour pro Gary Woodland at the Waste Management Phoenix Open pro-am.

The youngest golfer in the competition is Sophia Howard, a 15-year-old from Hudsonville, Mich. The oldest competitor is Judith Brush, 80, from Alexandria, Va.

The 96 golfers hail from 12 countries. A USGA announcement explained how the field was selected: “Individual handicaps were [the] primary factor in determining the field, with five male player spots and two female player spots designated per impairment category. The eight impairment categories include arm impairment, leg impairment, multiple limb amputee, neurological impairment, seated players, short stature, vision impairment and intellectual impairment.”

Golfers will play 54 holes, with carts permitted for all players and caddies.

John Bodenhammer, Chief Championships Offer for the United States Golf Association (USGA), said in the announcement, “We are thrilled by the level of interest and support that we’ve received from the adaptive community for the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open. To receive nearly 300 entries from around the world underscores the passion of these athletes who are seeking the opportunity to compete for a national championship.”

One overall men’s champion and one overall women’s champion will be crowned.

Chris Biggins, the Director of Player Development at the Country Club in Birmingham (Ala.), has cerebral palsy and will compete in the neurological impairment category.

“Competing in an official USGA championship has been a dream of mine for years, and now that dream will be coming to fruition,” he said. “This event will attract the best golfers from around the world to compete on an incredible course, Pinehurst No. 6. It is an honor to compete in this historic event and help pave the way for the growth of disabled golf.”

The U.S. Adaptive Open takes place July 18-20.

Photo courtesy Pinehurst Resort & Country Club and USGA