SAMMAMISH, Wash. – Not everyone who hits the course this week for the U.S. Senior Open at Sahalee Country Club will be considered among the best in the world.
Some are locals. One could even be your neighbor.
Because this is an open championship, you can qualify for the tournament. Usually, that means having a handicap of 3.4 or better.
One of those qualifying spots went to Tom Brandes. The man who sells highway signage and safety equipment for a living shot an even-par round Wednesday to qualify for the Open. It's the second straight year he has qualified.
"I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it," said Brandes.
Brandes says he was a little overwhelmed last year and he feels much more comfortable now, especially since he's played this course many times. What he's really proud of is that he's self-taught and a pure amateur. He's never made a nickel playing golf.
To add a comment, please register or login.