For those golfers who have long enjoyed testing themselves on the best courses against the best players, the desire to compete doesn’t end at a certain chronological age. Far from it.
Looking at the list of Texas Golf Association past champions, it’s remarkable to see some of the same names still winning tournaments more than 20, 30 and even 50 years after their first victory. At every TGA event that features age divisions, you’ll find these long-lasting stalwarts, plus a large contingent of other similarly aged players who remain fierce and focused competitors.
That’s one of the reasons why in 2015 the TGA added the Texas Super Senior Amateur to the annual schedule so these talented elder statesmen would have the starring role in a state championship of their own.
This year, Riverbend Country Club in Sugar Land will welcome the state’s most prominent old hands when it hosts the Texas Super Senior Amateur from April 21-23.
Opened for play in 1957, Riverbend was designed by Press Maxwell, Jr. In 2010, golf course architect Jeff Blume oversaw an extensive, $1.4 million renovation that included bunker restoration and reshaping all green complexes with Mini Verde Bermuda. The artfully restored course remains true to Maxwell’s original parkland-style layout and delights members and guests with its memorable mix of holes and pristine conditioning.
The championship format is 54 holes of individual stroke play with no cut and features two age divisions: 65 years and older (Super Senior) and 75 and older (Legends). Prizes are also awarded to the top Net score in both the Super Senior and Legends Divisions to recognize the achievements of a wider range of players.
Each age division plays from different tees with separate champions crowned. The Super Seniors will play from approximately 6,250 yards; the Legends will tee it up at around 6,000 yards.
Entries are open to male amateur golfers who reside in the state of Texas, are age 65 or older as of the first round of tournament play and have a WHS Handicap Index of 12.4 or less. To be eligible for the Legends Division, golfers must be age 75 or older as of the first round of tournament play, with a WHS Handicap Index of 16.4 or less. Registration opens at 9 a.m. on Feb. 25 and closes April 14 at 5 p.m.
The Texas Super Senior Amateur is an inclusive event that’s not only a showcase for seasoned veterans of the TGA, but also for new faces who would like to get in on the competition and camaraderie.
To learn more about this year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur, click here.
