The 2010 71st SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP in Parker, Colorado
Journal Entry #89

This prestegious golf tournament is coming to Colorado May 25-30. This will be the second of three professional golf tournaments in the state in four years. The first was the USGA Senior Open in 2008 at the Broadmore in Colorado Springs. The next one will be the 2011 USGA Women's Open back at the Broadmoor the fourth of July week.

The Alfred S. Bourne Trophy pictured above was won last year by Michael Allen. His achievement is notable because Allen won it on his first time to compete in this event. Only one other professional has won it the first time out. Guess who. Arnold Palmer in 1980. Even more astonishing is that Allen had played over 300 professional tournaments in the United States and never took the top prize in any except for the 1998 Nationwide Tour's Greater Austin Open. However, he did win the Scottish Open in 1989.

About the trophy. In 1937, Alfred S. Bourne, one of the original members of the Augusta National Golf Club, donated $1,500 for the creation of the Trophy. A replica of the trophy is awarded each year to the winner of the Senior PGA Championship. The winner's name is engraved on the trophy, which is displayed at the PGA of America's Historical Center in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

The Bourne Trophy stands 40 inches tall, is 18 inches wide and weighs 30.5 pounds. It is one of the largest trophies in golf. Among the notables that have their names engraved on the trophy are: Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Jack Nicklaus, Hale Irwin, Tom Watson and Jay Haas.

This is a tournament not to miss. Crenshaw, Couples, Funk, Haas, Irwin, Jacobsen, Kite, Langer, Lehman, Mize, O'mera, Pavin, Price, Stadler, Wadkins, Watson, and Zoeller are only a few of those who will be here. Competing are 22 major champions, six past Senior PGA champions, eight World Golf Hall of Fame members and six Colorado professionals. Competitors from 24 states and 12 countries will be represented. The field will consist of over 150 competitors.

The Colorado Golf Club golf course is only four years old. It was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This golf course, though young, is a mature links challenge. The first time I saw it I asked my guide, where are the fairways? They are there, but accuracy will be the name of the game come May 27th when serious play begins. To follow are a few pictures to web your appetite.

Tickets may be ordered on line at www.seniorpga2010.com or King Super stores.

THE VIEW AS YOU ENTER THE COLORADO GOLF CLUB

PRACTICE RANGE

THE VIEW FROM THE PRACTICE RANGE

GUEST COTTAGES BEHIND THE PRACTICE RANGE

ONE OF 18 TEE MARKERS

To follow are just a few of the holes on the Colorado Golf Club golf course. Keep in mind that these photos were taken in early April. By May 25th they will all have greened up for everyone to enjoy.

This journal entry is by John K. Darling, founder of Senior Friendly Golf LLC.