2005 U.S. Senior Open Fact Sheet

PAR AND YARDAGE – NCR Country Club’s South Course is set at 7,000 yards and par is 36-35—71.

HOLE-BY-HOLE –

Hole	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Total
Yards	450	170	429	388	555	549	425	169	419	3,554
Par	4	3	4	4	5	5	4	3	4	36

Hole	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	Total
Yards	546	380	457	202	398	224	451	350	438	3,446
Par	5	4	4	3	4	3	4	4	4	35

COURSE SET UP:

• Fairways – Bentgrass/poa cut to approximately 3/8 inch
• Intermediate rough -- Ryegrass will be cut to 1 ½ inches and will be 6 feet wide on fairways and 3 feet wide on greens
• Primary rough – Bluegrass/fescue will be cut to 3 ½ inches
• Putting greens – Bentgrass/poa. USGA stimpmeter reading to start at 11 feet with adjustments possible in early part of championship week.
• Collars on putting greens – Cut slightly lower than fairway height and 30 inches in width.
• The South course features narrow, tree-lined fairways and well-bunkered greens.

THE ARCHITECT – NCR Country Club's South Course was designed by Dick Wilson and opened in 1954.

2004 RE-CAP – Three months after undergoing successful surgery for a hip injury, Peter Jacobsen survived a 36-hole marathon on the final day to win the 2004 U.S. Senior Open at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Mo.  Jacobsen either led or shared the lead for three of the four rounds of the championship and closed with rounds of 69 and 68 on the last day to finish at 12-under-par 272.  He won by one stroke over two-time U.S Senior Open champion Hale Irwin and by two over Jay Haas and Tom Kite. 

"I've played in USGA championships since I was 15 years old," said Jacobsen.  "I have great respect for what the USGA means for the game, and for me to have won one of their championships and for me to be a part of that family is very special."

Heavy rain early Friday morning postponed play for the day, forcing second-round play to Saturday, with the third and fourth rounds scheduled for Sunday.

Jacobsen, who led after the first and second rounds by shooting 65 and 70, was overtaken during Sunday morning's third round as Tom Kite surged to the top of the leaderboard with a 6-under-par 65 that gave him a two-stroke lead over Jacobsen and Bob Gilder.  This momentum would carry over into the final round, as Kite eagled the fourth and birdied the fifth, taking him to 13 under par and extending his lead to three strokes with 12 holes to play.  However, Kite's championship hopes faded as he went 4-over par on the final four holes. Jacobsen, meanwhile, remained steady and shot 3-under 68 to become the Senior Open's second-youngest winner.

GROUPINGS AND STARTING TIMES – Pairings and starting times will be available after sectional qualifying has been completed.

WWW.USGA.ORG -- Log onto the USGA Internet www.usga.org for the latest U.S. Senior Open information during the Championship (www.ussenioropen.com)

TICKETS – For more information, please call the Championship Office at (937) 424-0506. Weekly grounds passes are $125 each. A limited number of single-day tickets are available at $25 for practice rounds and $40 for the first two rounds of the championship. For information, call (937) 228-3630 or 888-228-3630 outside the greater Dayton area or by visiting a greater Dayton/Cincinnati Kroger store and the Kettering Recreation Complex. Ticket information is also available on www.2005usso.com. Juniors, age 17 and under, receive complimentary daily admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

HONORARY CO-CHAIRPERSONS: Eight-time USGA champion Jack Nicklaus and his wife Barbara are the honorary co-chairpersons of the 2005 U.S. Senior Open at NCR Country Club. Nicklaus, who grew up in nearby Columbus and attended Ohio State, is a two-time Senior Open champion (1991 and 1993). Barbara is an Ohio native as well.

MEDIA CONFERENCE WITH PETER JACOBSEN – Defending champion Peter Jacobsen will meet with all interested credentialed media at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, in the Media Center at NCR Country Club. The complete schedule of pre-championship interviews will be published and distributed prior to championship week at the Media Center.

PURSE – The 2004 purse was $2.6 million, and the winner received $470,000.

FORMAT – The championship is played at stroke play over 72 holes. There are 156 players in the championship field, comprised of those advancing from sectional qualifying, and those exempt from sectional qualifying. After 36 holes, the field is cut to the 60 lowest scorers and ties and anyone within 10 strokes of the leader.

PLAYOFF FORMAT – If a playoff is needed, the U.S. Senior Open will use a multiple-hole, aggregate score format. If there is a tie or ties at the end of 72 holes, a 3- or 4-hole playoff will follow immediately. If the playoff results in a tie, play will continue hole-by-hole until a champion is determined.

SCHEDULE –
Mon. through Wed. (July 25-27) Practice Rounds
Thurs. (July 28) First Round, 18 holes
Fri. (July 29) Second Round, 18 holes
Sat. (July 30) Third Round, 18 holes
Sun. (July 31) Fourth Round, 18 holes

CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY – First played in 1980, this is the 26th U.S. Senior Open Championship. A total of 20 players have won the first 25 championships. There have been five playoffs. Twenty-three clubs have hosted the championship with Oakland Hills Country Club in Birmingham Hills, Mich. and Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa., having served twice as a Senior Open site.

TELEVISION COVERAGE – A total of 14 hours of live television is slated for the 2005 U.S. Senior Open. All times listed are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). (Air times are subject to change)

Date Network Broadcast Hours (ET)

July 27 ESPN 1-1:30 p.m. (preview show)
July 28 ESPN 1-5 p.m.
July 29 ESPN 1-5 p.m.
July 30 NBC 3-6 p.m.
July 31 NBC 3-6 p.m.

A three- or four-hole playoff for the 2004 U.S. Senior Open would be played July 31, starting immediately after the completion of 72 holes. NBC would broadcast the playoff in its entirety.

USGA AND NCR – The Senior Open is making its first stop at NCR Country Club while the USGA had previously conducted both the 1986 U.S. Women's Open (won by Jane Geddes) and the inaugural 1998 U.S. Mid-Amateur (won by Spider Miller).

NCR AND ITS NAME – NCR stands for National Cash Register. The club is owned by NCR Employee Benefits Association, a non-profit group.

OHIO AND THE USGA: The USGA has held 34 previous championships in the state of Ohio, the most recent being the 2003 U.S. Senior Open at Inverness Club in Toledo. This is the fourth Senior Open in Ohio, following the 2003, the 1996 championship at Canterbury in Cleveland and the 1986 championship at Scioto Country Club in Columbus.

MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS:: NCR Country Club was the site of the 1969 PGA Championship and the 1986 U.S. Women's Open. The 1969 PGA was won by Raymond Floyd, who either led or shared the lead all four rounds. A handful of players who participated in the 1969 PGA Championship might return for the 2005 Senior Open including Gary Player, who finished second to Floyd. Jane Geddes won the 1986 Women's Open in a playoff with Sally Little.

REPEAT AND MULTIPLE WINNERS – Miller Barber (1984 and 1985) and Gary Player (1987 and 1988) are the only players with back–to–back Senior Open victories. Hale Irwin (1998 and 2000) and Jack Nicklaus (1991 and 1993), are the only other multiple winners.

EXEMPT PLAYERS – A total of 72 players are exempt from qualifying into the 156-player Senior Open field.

TWO TEES – Players start on both the first and 10^th tees during competition on Thursday and Friday, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

WINNERS OF U.S. OPEN & U.S. SENIOR OPEN – With his victory at Riviera Country Club in 1998, Hale Irwin became the seventh man to win both the U.S. Open and U.S. Senior Open. Here's a table detailing these multiple winners:

PAST CHAMPIONS – All past champions are exempt for future Senior Opens.

2005 ENTRIES – In 2005, the USGA accepted 2,876 entries. The record was 3,101 in 2002.

WHO CAN ENTER – The Senior Open is open to any professional or amateur with a USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 3.4 who turns 50 on or before July 28, 2005. Entries close on June 22.

SECTIONAL QUALIFYING AT 42 SITES -- Sectional qualifying was conducted at 42 sites from July 5-18. The closest site to Dayton is Wedgewood Golf and Country Club in Columbus on July 7. Visit http://www.usga.org/news/qualifying/2005/qualifying_senior_open.html to view results.

FUTURE SENIOR OPENS -- The U.S. Senior Open at Prairie Dunes Golf Club in Hutchinson, Kan., July 6-9, 2006; at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wis., July 5-8, 2007; and at Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 3-6, 2008.

Two Local USGA Grants Initiatives:

City of Dayton – Division of Golf: Contact Cathy Shanklin (937) 333-3378

This program has received over $140,000 from USGA grants over the past five years. In past years, the program reached over 2,500 kids through spring and fall school golf clinics, as well as a summer course that met twice per week. Participants have access to instruction as well as city golf courses. The City of Dayton also gives the participants access cards for use at all city golf courses after the program is finished.

Bob Kramer Youth Golf Academy: Contact Ron Richardson (513) 425-0804

BKYGA received its first USGA grant in 2004 with the formation of its junior golf program. The mission of the organization is to make golf accessible and affordable to youth of all ethnic backgrounds, social strata, and any who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play golf or be exposed to its life-enriching lessons. Not only does the program reach participants specifically from the local Boys and Girls Club, but it also offers a summer program that is open to all local junior residents. The program recently secured its status as a chapter of The First Tee.

USGA MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACTS – For more information contact, Pete Kowalski at 908-234-2300 x1322. The Media Center at NCR Country Club will be staffed as of July 21. The media center phone number is (937) 648-5700.

FULLY EXEMPT PLAYERS FOR THE 2005 U.S. SENIOR OPEN -- (73)

• Jim Ahern 18
• Miller Barber 1
• Dave Barr 18
• Andy Bean 9, 15
• Mark Bemowski (a) 12
• Jose Maria Canizares 9, 15, 16
• Jim Colbert 16
• Ben Crenshaw 14, 16
• Rodger Davis 17,18
• Jim Dent 16
• Dale Douglass 1, 16
• Allen Doyle 7, 9, 15-18
• David Eger 15, 18
• Dave Eichelberger 1, 16, 18
• Vicente Fernandez 15, 16, 18
• Bruce Fleisher 1, 9, 15-18
• Raymond Floyd 9, 14,16
• Alan Foster (a) 12
• Bob Gilder 9, 15-16, 18
• Hubert Green 16, 18
• Jay Haas 9, 14,16
• Walter Hall 9, 18
• John Harris 9
• Morris Hatalsky 9, 15, 17,18
• Hale Irwin 1, 7, 9, 15-18
• John Jacobs 7, 16, 18
• Peter Jacobsen 1, 9, 14-16,18, 20
• Mark James 9, 15, 17-18
• Tom Jenkins 15-18
• Mark Johnson 18
• Tom Kite 9, 15-16, 18
• Larry Laoretti 1
• Wayne Levi 9, 15-18
• Bruce Lietzke 1, 9, 15, 16, 18
• John Mahaffey 16
• Graham Marsh 1, 9, 15-16, 18
• James Mason 18
• Mike McCullough 9, 16, 18
• Mark McNulty 9, 15, 17, 18
• Gil Morgan 9, 15-18
• Bob Murphy 16
• Larry Nelson 9, 15-16, 18
• Greg Norman 16, 22
• Andy North 23
• Pete Oakley 8, 18
• Arnold Palmer 1
• Jerry Pate 15, 17
• Don Pooley 1, 9, 17-18
• Tom Purtzer 15-18
• Dana Quigley 9, 15-18
• Sammy Rachels 18
• Mike Reid 7, 9, 17-18
• Greg Reynolds (a) 12
• Kemp Richardson (a) 12
• Loren Roberts 14, 20
• Jay Sigel 16, 18
• Des Smyth 17-18
• J.C. Snead 16, 18
• Craig Stadler 9, 15-16, 18
• Dave Stockton 1, 16
• Curtis Strange 14, 16, 21, 22
• Ron Streck 18
• Bruce Summerhays 15, 16, 18
• Pat Tallent (a) 11
• Doug Tewell 7, 9,15, 16, 18
• Jim Thorpe 9, 15-18
• Bobbby Wadkins 15
• Michael Walters (a) 12
• Tom Wargo 7, 16
• Tom Watson 7-9, 16-18
• D. A. Weibring 9, 15-18
• George Zahringer (a) 13
• Fuzzy Zoeller 7, 9, 15-16, 18

Key to Player Exemptions --

1. Former winners of the U.S. Senior Open.
2. Winners of the U.S. Open in the last 10 years. (1996-2005)
3. Winners of the U.S. Amateur in the last 10 years. (1995-2004)
4. Winners of the Masters Tournament in the last 10 years (1996-2005)
5. Winners of the British Open in the last 10 years (1995-2004)
6. Winners of the PGA Championship in the last 10 years. (1995-2004)
7. Winners of the PGA Seniors Championship in the last 10 years. (1996-2005)
8 Winner of the 2004 British Senior Open Championship.
9. The 25 lowest scorers and ties from the 2004 U.S. Senior Open.
10. From the 2004 U.S. Open, any amateur returning a 72-hole score
11. The low amateur at the 2004 U.S. Senior Open.
12. From the U.S. Amateur Public Links, U.S. Mid-Amateur and USGA Senior Amateur, the winners from the last two years and the semifinalists from the most recent championships
13. Playing members of the 2001 and 2003 USA Walker Cup teams and 2002
and 2004 USA World Amateur Teams
14. Playing members of the five most recent U.S. and European Ryder Cup teams in the
15. The top 30 money leaders from the 2004 Champions Tour money list.
16. The top 50 players on the Champions Tour all-time money list through June 22
17. The top 20 money leaders on the 2005 Champions Tour money list through June 22
18. Winners of Champions Tour events in the last three years (2002-2004) and the current calendar year.
19. The leading money winner from the 2004 Senior PGA European Tour Order of Merit
20. Winners of PGA Tour co-sponsored events in the last five years (2000-2004) and during the current calendar year.
21. Any player in his first five years of age eligibility for U.S. Open winners
22. Any player turning 50 in the last calendar year who has won a U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, Masters Tournament, British Open, British Amateur, or PGA Championship (one-time exemption)
23. Special exemptions as selected by the USGA Executive Committee.