Player feedback helps USGA improve 2023 U.S. Adaptive Open after positive debut
VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. — The United States Golf Association unveiled its 15th championship last summer here in the Sandhills of North Carolina, and after an overwhelmingly positive reaction, the U.S. Adaptive Open is back with very few tweaks to its inaugural set up.
“The reaction was so positive. It was just so much fun for all of us,” said championship director Stephanie Parel. “We never felt like we were working. It’s really exciting to be here and be a part of this and still is.”
It’s rare for the USGA to hold a championship in the same location two years in a row, but it’s been a luxury for golf’s governing body in the states to host the Adaptive at Pinehurst No. 6 once again. The championship will take the next step as it heads off to Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kansas, July 8-10, 2024, but for two more rounds its proud to call the Cradle of American Golf home.
“The resort staff here and their volunteers are exceptional. They made it very easy for us,” said Parel. “We really like this golf course for this championship, it has special features that align well with this championship.”
With its tee-to-green catch players and easily accessible bunkers, Pinehurst No. 6 is a perfect course to host the championship, and few changes were needed for 2023.
Kellie Valentine plays a shot on the fifth hole during the first round of the 2023 U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst Resort & C.C. (Course No. 6) in Village of Pinehurst, N.C. on Monday, July 10, 2023. (Jeff Haynes/USGA)
“We didn’t change a whole lot about the course setup in terms of like grass heights and things like that. We did add another set of tees so that we have now three for men and three for women,” said Parel. “That allows us to set it up for the same for both genders and all impairment categories.”
For example, players in the arm impairment category who are playing with just one arm will tee it up from the middle tees, while players with two hands or a hand and attachment on the club will play form the back tees. The front tees will only be used by seated players.
Thanks to feedback from players, the USGA is also using yellow flagsticks and caddie bibs for visually impaired players this year.
“We want the players to know we really embrace this demographic of the player and we want to do everything we can for them and give them the national championship they deserve,” explained Parel. “We really feel lucky to be providing that opportunity, and we’re listening to them. We asked for feedback, they gave it and we were really pleased to receive it.”
The three-day, 54-hole event, which started Monday, will crown both men’s and women’s overall champions from the field of 96 players, as well as individual winners from both genders from the eight categories: Arm Impairment, Leg Impairment, Multiple Limb Amputee, Vision Impairment, Intellectual Impairment, Neurological Impairment, Seated Players and Short Stature.
Golf Channel will dedicate the final 30 minutes of Wednesday’s Golf Central (5-6 p.m. ET) to the U.S. Adaptive Open trophy ceremony. Entry to the championship is free, and unlike most golf events, there are no rope lines, which means fans can get close to the action and experience just how great the Adaptive Open is.
“First and foremost, these are phenomenal players who love golf like the rest of us. They have exceptional skill and they’re also just fun to be around, they really are enjoying themselves out here,” said Parel. “They’re great with everybody, they really enjoy the social aspect of the game, which you don’t often see in competitions. It’s really a pleasure to be around them.”
