Golf Manitoba Public Players Club member Austin Dobrescu is the latest Manitoban to advance to the Final Stage of Qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open.
Dobrescu carded a 1-under par 71 on Monday at The Country Club of Sioux Falls in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His round included three birdies, 13 pars and a pair of bogeys. He is one of five players from the field of 90 competitors who started the day to advance.
The final qualifier is scheduled for June 3rd with the location to be determined by the USGA.
Five Manitobans also took part but failed to qualify:
Braxton Kuntz of Breezy Bend Country Club shot a 6-under par 66 on Thursday to advance to the Final Stage of Qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open.
Kuntz’s round featured an eagle, six birdies, nine pars and two bogeys at the Broadmoor Country Club in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was one of five players from the field of 84 competitors who started the day to advance.
The final qualifier for Kuntz is scheduled for June 3rd with the location to be determined by the USGA.
INSIDE THE ROPES – Rhonda Orr at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open
Brian Munz
Golf Manitoba is pleased to share the unique experience of Southwood Golf & Country Club member Rhonda Orr as she participates this week in the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Waverley Country Club in Portland, Oregon.
With a 2:34 tee time, the final one of the day the morning was spent watching the leaderboard and resting as the hot weather and excitement was starting to catch up with me. The range was quite busy again with the morning wave putting in post game practice and the afternoon wave preparing for their round.
Along with Joanne Carner we were the last on the putting green before making the long walk to our 10th tee start.
It was special to have my son Brendan caddie for me this week.
My round started our with a double followed by a near miss for a hole in one. Apparently that excitement got to me as I followed up that birdie with some big scores.
What I will choose to remember about the golf is that I had a numerous birdie chances, 6 straight pars to finish the tournament and on few holes I scored better than Annika.
Although it was not the ending I had scripted for myself I am grateful for each and every minute of this week and that my family was there to experience it with me.
Thanks for following along, I hope you enjoyed it!
INSIDE THE ROPES – Rhonda Orr at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open
Brian Munz
Golf Manitoba is pleased to share the unique experience of Southwood Golf & Country Club member Rhonda Orr as she participates this week in the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Waverley Country Club in Portland, Oregon.
Wednesday – Last day of preparation and you can see and feel the change of intensity. The players parking lot was full, the driving range was 2 deep, putting green was filled with mirrors and alignment aids. All much different than Monday and Tuesday. In the dining room people were in and out quicker and the discussions a little less jovial.
My day started with short game work followed by some time on the putting green where I met Julie Inkster. A quick lunch where I was able to sit at a table with Annika and her husband Mike. Some would find that intimidating but it was nothing compared to hitting balls 2 positions away from her on the range and watching in awe.
On and around the course you notice the addition of concession stands, security at the entrances, and electronic leaderboards.
They are expecting very hot weather so to keep the greens alive they are watering between the morning and afternoon waves. Even with that weather the course seems lush and green.
Thursday – As I walked to the first tee from the putting green I thought wow this is really happening! Marshalls with quiet signs, concession stand selling pizza, fans waiting to see you tee off, getting introduced as Rhonda Orr, Canada, it was such a rush.
Unfortunately the first hole started with a three putt , definitely some nerves involved which carried on for a few more holes. At times it was easy to settle in and feel like it was any other tournament. But then you would be faced with a large leaderboard or Annika’s group including the entourage would be on an adjacent hole and you were quickly reminded where you were.
One of my favourite places on the course is the VIP area providing great views of both 9 and 18 greens where you can also enjoy your favourite beverages and snacks. I learned that my player badge will get me and my guests absolutely anywhere on the property and anything we want to eat or drink!
I didn’t play as well as I would have liked but the experience is amazing and I am thankful to have the opportunity to do it again tomorrow!
INSIDE THE ROPES – Day 3: Rhonda Orr at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open
Brian Munz
Golf Manitoba is pleased to share the unique experience of Southwood Golf & Country Club member Rhonda Orr as she participates this week in the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Waverley Country Club in Portland, Oregon.
How do you describe a day that begins with a 7:15am tee shot and your playing partner says “nice shot” when that partner is Laura Davies?
Today Waverley country club was the happiest place on earth!
Trish Johnson, an 8 time Solheim Cup team member was also in the group. It was special to see their level of ball striking up close.
When Laura, who is known for using grass tees used a regular tee on the first hole, I asked her why she hadn’t she replied “Well I wouldn’t want to muck up the tee on the first hole would I?” She proceeded to “muck up” the remainder of tee boxes.
Both her and Trish were absolutely lovely to play with. An experience I will remember forever.
Tuesday evening was the player reception where I had the opportunity to visit with Michael Whan, CEO of the USGA and Helen Alfredsson the 2019 US Senior Women Open Champion.
INSIDE THE ROPES – Day 2: Rhonda Orr at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open
Brian Munz
Golf Manitoba is pleased to share the unique experience of Southwood Golf & Country Club member Rhonda Orr as she participates this week in the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Waverley Country Club in Portland, Oregon.
My “work” day began on the practice range between Leta Lindley, the 2022 runner up, and golf legend Joanne Carner, winner of 43 LPGA events and 8 USGA titles. A few minutes on the putting green then off to the 10th tee for 9 holes where due to some late changes I played by myself.
The course is an older style course originally established in 1896 with a recent restoration by Gil Hanse. It is relatively easy course to walk with very short distances between greens and tee boxes. It is in fantastic shape with firm fast greens, as you would expect for a US Open. We are playing at 6104 yards, with the longest par 4 at 395 yards and the par 5s averaging 500 yards.
Massage, physio and chiropractic care are available in player recovery so I stopped in for treatment on a recent injury. On my way out I met Catriona Matthew, the 2019 and 2021 victorious Solheim Cup captain.
Managing your time and energy in these longer events is a priority so the remainder of the day was spent resting, stretching and studying the yardage book.
Looking forward to tomorrow’s 18 hole practice round and some more legend sightings!
INSIDE THE ROPES – Rhonda Orr at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open
Brian Munz
Golf Manitoba is pleased to share the unique experience of Southwood Golf & Country Club member Rhonda Orr as she participates this week in the 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Waverley Country Club in Portland, Oregon.
Day 1: Registration
No more waiting, it is finally here!
After picking up the courtesy Lexus we were off to the course. The drive in was not as overwhelming as I expected as only some of the signage was up with many of the players not arriving until Monday.
Off to player registration where we received our player “card”, signed multiple items for the host committee, and received some player gifts including a custom made ball mark. Then it’s a tour of the amenities, including the player locker room where there are plenty of snacks, beverages and fresh cut flowers.
Next up was a tour of the player dining area where players, caddies and their families will have breakfast lunch and snacks everyday. The dining room overlooks the pool and river.
Some range work to end the first day. The attention to detail is amazing.
