12 Australasians get their chance at US Senior Open
Scott Hend – may well be a factor given his good play in 2026 and a solid debut in the event last year – image PGA of America
Undoubtedly the flagship event of the PGA Tour Champions, the US Senior Open, gets underway on Thursday at the Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio, the event carrying a purse of US$4 million, the richest purse on the PGA Tour Champions schedule.
Ten Australians and two New Zealanders get their chance to become just the second Australasian to win the title following the victory by Graham Marsh in 1997.
A field of 156 from an original entry of around 3000 has made it through the event over a layout steeped in American golfing history, with Bobby Jones having won the US Open in 1926, and where the US Senior Open is being held for the third occasion.
In Alphabetical order, the 12 Australasians in this week’s field are Steve Alker, Steve Allan, Stuart Appleby, David Bransdon, Michael Campbell, Greg Chalmers, Richard Green, Scott Hend, Mark Hensby, Brendan Jones, Cameron Percy and Michael Wright.
Defending champion and two time winner, Padraig Harrington, will likely start favourite for the event, although Stewart Cink, who finished runner-up last year and who has been a standout on the PGA Tour Champions in 2026, will have his followers, as will Steve Stricker, who in four starts in the event has won, been runner-up twice and finished 4th on the other occasion.
Steve Alker gets the nod amongst the Australasians, although in four starts his best has been when 6th last year. Mark Hensby finished tied for 4th last year after leading at various stages, Scott Hend could make his presence felt now that he is firmly ensconced on the PGA Tour Seniors, and with a win to his name in 2026, and Richard Green finished 3rd two years ago.
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