Old Masters Prepare for Battle at The Broadmoor
The U.S. Senior Open returns to Colorado Springs with legendary names chasing history
Seoul, Korea - They may have greyed a bit, but their games still carry bite. When the 45th U.S. Senior Open Championship tees off Thursday at The Broadmoor's East Course in Colorado Springs, some of golf’s finest elder statesmen will show once again that competitive fires rarely dim.
The USGA announced the full draw for the first two rounds, revealing a tantalising mix of seasoned champions, international stars and hopeful amateurs. The East Course, stretching to 7,247 yards, will serve as a stern yet familiar test, rewarding precision far more than brute strength.
“It’s a proper golf course,” said Bernhard Langer, the 66-year-old German stalwart who continues to defy time. “At this point, it’s about managing your game, your mind, and trusting what you’ve done for decades.”
Among those joining Langer in pursuit of the coveted title are defending champion Padraig Harrington, the ever-steady Miguel Angel Jiménez, South Korea’s K.J. Choi and 2010 Open champion Darren Clarke. And, of course, there’s the evergreen Ernie Els, whose fluid swing remains a marvel.
The tournament begins with 156 players but only 60 and ties will survive into the weekend after 36 holes. If a tie remains after 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff — and potentially sudden death — awaits. Colorado’s thin air might allow for added distance off the tee, but The Broadmoor's sloping fairways and slick greens demand discipline.
This Senior Open, like all before it, is not simply a stroll down memory lane. It is a celebration of enduring skill, competitive fire, and the timeless allure of the game. And as the sun rises over Pikes Peak, these men will once again chase the simplest, and yet most elusive, of golf’s promises — another shot at glory.