A Shot at the Big Boys
Local golfer qualifies for U.S. Senior Open
Almost a month removed from one of his biggest accomplishments in a rather accomplished amateur golf career and two weeks shy of the most significant tournament he has ever played, Jim Ferguson still seemed in awe of his qualification for the United States Senior Open.
Playing the challenging Callawassie Island Golf Club, Ferguson carded a 1-under 71 during final round qualifying for the Senior Open and left the club feeling good about his play but less than good about that score holding up against a talented field that included the likes of Tom McKnight and Duke Delcher.
Fortunately for Ferguson, his round was indeed good enough to win the 18-hole event and to capture the one qualifying spot for the Senior Open, taking place July 29 -August 1 at the famed Sahalee Country Club in Washington. There, Ferguson will realize a significant achievement of competing in a United States Golf Association national championship against a world-class field, including senior greats such as defending champion Fred Funk, Fred Couples, Tom Lehman, Hale Irwin and Larry Mize.
“I was extremely shocked that number held up considering the players who were in the field,” Ferguson said two weeks before heading to the Senior Open. “Surprised and excited I guess would be the words to describe it.”
Proud but humbled would likely be two more words Ferguson would use to describe his chance to compete in the Senior Open. The 2010 Hilton Head Amateur Golf Association Match Play champion attempted to qualify for the Senior PGA Tour six years ago but fell short. Since that time, Ferguson has battled a difficult economy as a realtor with Charter One Realty and at times an inconsistent golf game. While the economy is out of his control, Ferguson’s game rounded into form this spring, and it all came together in June when he won the match play and the qualifier during a dizzying two-week stretch.
“Recently, I’ve been in a much better place with my personal life, and I’ve been playing better golf,” Ferguson said. “My biggest problem has probably been the six inches between my ears. Everyone has a dream, and this was mine. It has humbled me—it really has.”
As an added perk, Ferguson will be joined on his trip to Sahalee by two special people who will help him tackle his most significant challenge in the game of golf to date. The 57-year-old will be accompanied on his West Coast journey by his two sons, Ben and Tim. Talented amateur golfers in their own right, the pair are to alternate on Ferguson’s bag during the first two rounds and then do the same if Dad makes the cut and plays the weekend.
“To be able to experience this with Ben and Tim on the bag just makes it all the more special,” Ferguson said. “It’s probably the most rewarding part of this experience.”
That’s not to say the two brothers are in the loop simply for lasting family memories and nostalgia. Ferguson fully expects the two to keep him on an even keel both during the practice rounds and once play begins. “I taught them the game of golf, and they know my game better than anyone,” Ferguson said. “I know they will keep me calm and focused throughout the week.”
Like most amateur golfers getting a shot at the big boys, Ferguson will arrive in Washington with reasonable expectations for what the week may bring. The opportunity to compete for a national championship against the game’s finest 50-and-over players is everything Ferguson could have hoped for when he began this endeavor. That said, like every competitive golfer, he will go to Sahalee to give his best.
“I guess my goal would be to make the cut and be around for the weekend,” Ferguson said. “But I don’t want to put any added pressure or expectations on myself. If I don’t drive the ball straight, my score will soar. But whether I make the cut or not, it will have been an amazing week.”
Whether expected or not, a lifetime achievement, especially when celebrated around family, is just that: amazing.
