BIG TIME: Woodbridge’s Humphrey in the 2023 British Senior Open

“I was very proud to be one of only two American amateurs in such an elite event.” — Russ Humphrey

Woodbridge member Russell Humphrey qualified for, and played in, the 2023 British Senior Open Championship held at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Bridgend, Wales, July 27-30.

A total of seven amateurs made the field of this year's Senior Open Championship. Russell was one of two amateurs from the United States to make it. Of the amateurs in the field, four were exempt and three, including Russell, made it through the Monday qualifying to earn a spot in the prestigious event.

Russell noted, "There were four qualifying venues in South Wales where around 600 players competed for 24 spots. I qualified at Southerndown Golf Club, a links course a short distance from Royal Porthcawl. At my qualifying location, there were 124 players for seven spots."

Russell shot an even par 70 at Southerndown in difficult conditions including rain and wind.

"My tee time was at 8:30am, one of the earlier times. The course was very demanding and the conditions were tough. I played and putted well the whole day,” he said. “On 18 I had an up and down from a difficult position to finish at even. I made a 5' par putt on 18. When I finished I was in second place. But I knew that was only one quarter of the field."

About six hours later, Russell returned to the course for a likely playoff to determine the last qualifiers.

"The waiting was the worst. I waited from noon until about 7:30pm right on the bubble,” Russell said. “Just after the last group came in it was announced the cut was even par 70."

He said, "I was very proud to be one of only two American amateurs in such an elite event. One of my golfing goals was to qualify for the Senior Open Championship. I was lucky enough to make it this year."

Once at Royal Porthcawl, Russell quickly learned the quality of the field. "When we first arrived and sat down to lunch, I noticed Bernhard Langer was sitting right behind us. Darren Clarke was having an espresso right next to us. When I got to the driving range I hit balls next to Colin Montgomery and Miguel Angel Jimenez. It's the kind of thing you always dream about, competing against the best players in the world and seeing how you stack up. For a few days I was part of that."

Under difficult conditions of rain and wind Russell shot rounds of 77-81 to miss the cut. But his head was held high.

"Those players are so good and the course so tough that I didn't have any idea how my game would hold up. I'm proud of the way I played. Anyone who saw the television coverage could see how difficult the course played. Perhaps I'm most proud of the fact that I was able to play very well on links golf courses under tough conditions of wind and rain. Nothing in California can really prepare you for that. Links golf is just a different game than we play here."

Russell said many people helped him achieve his goal, but one person stood out.

"Theresa Ishiguro really helped me take my game to the next level,” he said. “I don't think I could have accomplished this feat without her instruction. Thank you Theresa."