Joining the club

Two local golfers qualify for U.S. Senior Open.

Bob Ford is so highly regarded for his long career as a PGA club pro that he was granted the duty of being honorary starter at the U.S. Open for as long as he wants, including next week at Shinnecock Hills.

But Ford, 64, showed he’s still a force on the course when he shot a 4-under 68 this week at Quail Ridge Country Club in Boynton Beach to qualify for the U.S. Senior Open.

Ford, the club pro at Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, birdied his last hole on the South Course at Quail Ridge to avoid a playoff and qualify for his third U.S. Senior Open.

“It’s spectacular, it’s awesome,” Ford said. “I expected to shoot a 73 or a 74. I didn’t expect much. That’s usually when you play well.”

Also advancing was Coral Springs resident Chris Kaufman, who shot a 68 earlier on a day when play was stopped twice because of lightning for more than 3 ½ hours. Kaufman, a PGA professional at BallenIsles Country Club, had to make a tricky 4-foot par putt to clinch his spot.

“I was a little nervous about it, because it was a little downhill, left-to-right slider,” said Kaufman, who qualified for his second US. Senior Open. “I’m glad I made it.”

Don Wright of Lake Worth and Charles Beauregard of Naples were alternates after 69s.

Earning the opportunity to play in the Senior Open at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, June 28-July 1, is just the latest achievement for Ford, regarded within the industry as one of the top ambassadors of the game.

Ford served as the head professional at Oakmont, a nine-time U.S. Open host site, for 37 years before retiring in October 2016. He continues in the same role at Seminole

Golf Club. Last year he received the Bob Jones Award, the USGA’s highest honor.

During the 1980s, Ford took the trifecta of top awards from the PGA of America: merchandiser of the year (1985), golf professional of the year (1987) and national club pro player of the year (1988).

He was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2005.

Ford twice made the cut in the U.S. Open, including 1983 at Oakmont when he became the second club pro to do so on his home course — none have since.

Not only did he finish tied for 26th, he also worked the merchandise tent that week, which he recalled in a 2016 interview with Golf Digest.

“I played in the morning here in the 1983 Open, and then headed to the tent to sell merchandise in the afternoon. Bringing boxes up of hats and shirts. It was a fun time for my family and staff,” Ford recalled in the interview. “Getting to play was a bonus, but then making the cut that year was over the top. One of the highlights of my golf career, I’d say.”

He will have a chance to add another highlight later this month in Colorado.