SAMMAMISH, Washington -- The U.S. Senior Open at Sahallee Golf Course started Thursday morning and a couple of Idahoans are among the field.
Jeff Thomsen who works out at Indian Lakes and former longtime head pro at Plantation Country Club in Garden City, and Ron Ptachek both won qualifying tournaments to compete alongside greats such as Fred Couple and Tom Watson.
And for Ptachek the experience was overwhelming.
"It almost makes you speechless, for me. You know I have been a club pro for 35 years and I have played in club professionals, but nothing like a US Open or a Senior US Open or anything this big. You know you get the nice Lexus when you get here, so that's nice too, but being here and getting a chance to be a part of this makes me want to go work more on my game and do it when I am 57."
Ptachek shot a two over 72 and Thomsen five over 75. The second round is Friday. Ptachek will tee off at 3:10 p.m. and Thomsen at 9:35 p.m.
