In fact, it was so good that some players think Colorado would be a great state to host an annual Champions Tour event.
“This could be a springboard to something in the state that someone could run with,” former University of Colorado athlete Hale Irwin said Sunday. “Look at the crowds. That speaks volumes about the tournament. Of course, this is an exceptional event in an exceptional place, but this state has a lot of exceptional places.”
Landing a title sponsor is by far the biggest hurdle to overcome before a Champions Tour -- or LPGA -- event could become a reality, but that’s not insurmountable if the economy improves.
“This (Senior Open) tournament this week will do something to stimulate (action),” said Castle Rock-based Champions Tour rookie Gary Hallberg. “The crowds were pretty amazing. I would love to see something happen. All the Colorado guys would.”
The Champions Tour -- then known as the Senior Tour -- had a six-year run in Colorado in the 1980s, but ultimately fell victim to bad economic times. But it was generally well-received by fans at Pinehurst, Green Gables and Plum Creek. Two winners of the event are among the biggest names in the history of golf: Arnold Palmer and Gary Player.
• Eaks limping home
Colorado Springs native R.W. Eaks experienced such knee problems Saturday that he considered withdrawing from the final round of the U.S. Senior Open. Given his local ties, he opted to gut it out and walk the final round, but the decision may have some medical ramifications.
“I probably really shouldn’t have played,” Eaks said after gingerly hobbling down a set of steps at the Broadmoor. “I think I damaged my knees a little more. … Hopefully I can recover in a couple of weeks.”
Eaks, who rarely plays tournaments in which he can’t ride a cart, said he plans to see a doctor on Monday to have his knees examined.
The chronically painful knees caused Eaks problems when he hit shots with the ball below his feet, and also when putting. He shot a final-round 72 and tied for 18th place overall.
“I’m just going to have to play with the pain if I’m going to continue playing,” said Eaks, winner of the 3M Championship two weeks ago. “I just love playing golf. Doesn’t matter if I’m hurt or healthy or what. I just love being out here and playing because you never know when you’re going to play good.”
• How other local players fared
Despite going bogey-double bogey on Nos. 15 and 16 on Sunday, Castle Rock’s Gary Hallberg finished in 14th place. He shot an even-par 70 for a 5-over 285 total.
“In hindsight, it was a good week, a really good week,” said the Champions Tour rookie.
Three-time U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin finished 40th overall after closing with a 76 for a 293 total.
A day after chimes from the nearby Will Rogers Shrine were toned down after they interfered with play, the volume was increased on Sunday.
That didn’t go over well with Irwin, who hit a 20-yard drive from the first tee on Friday when chimes went off during his downswing.
“That was the only negative thing the whole week,“ Irwin said. “(The chimes) may be a fixture, but they’re not appropriate for this event. I don’t know who is responsible for turning them off and on or up and down, but it seems that someone got their dander up today (and raised the volume).”
• Whoops
It’s a good thing the folks who hand out checks for the U.S. Golf Association don’t always take media stories to heart. Otherwise, U.S. Senior Open competitor Jeff Klein would be $62,814 poorer today.
In its Sunday edition, the (Colorado Springs) Gazette newspaper noted -- in both a small headline and an accompanying story -- that Klein was an amateur. That would be news to the player from Scottsbluff, Neb., considering he’s been a pro for the last 25 years and played the PGA Tour full-time in 2003. If he were an amateur, Klein would not have been able to accept his share of the prize money for a ninth-place finish at the U.S. Senior Open. That paycheck was for $62,814.
• Chip shots
A bear crossed the back nine during Friday’s play, but that wasn’t the last bruin to show up during tournament week. A bear broke into a concession stand on the seventh hole Saturday night. He reportedly got into candy bars, bananas, hot dogs and bread. He also upended a cash register. … Play was delayed for 23 minutes Sunday by the weather.
