Thirty years ago, Upper Arlington’s own Scioto Country Club hosted the 1986 U.S. Senior Open. Now, in 2016, the championship is coming back for another round – this time for the country club’s 100th anniversary.
The 2016 U.S. Senior Open, a championship for men’s professional senior golf, will play at the country club Aug. 8-14.
“Shortly after the 1986 championship, we always felt like it would be right to bring it back,” says Walt Dennis, the championship’s general chairman. “Back in 2008 and 2009, we were looking ahead to our 100th anniversary at the club and thinking how great it would be to have an event (such as the U.S. Senior Open).”
There’s a lot that goes into hosting the championship, Dennis says, and that includes preparing the golf course and assuring the U.S. Senior Open is beneficial to the community.
“We hope to crown a champion as worthy as the course is,” Dennis says. “The central Ohio community needs to benefit, too, and we’re expecting great economic benefits as well as a great experience for our members.”
Members of the Scioto Country Club will have to give up their access to the club about six days prior to the championship, as well as during the event, Dennis says.
“It needs to be financially beneficial,” Dennis says. “Connecting it to our 100th anniversary ensures it will be.”
Over the course of the championship, spectators and players alike will be encouraged to pay visits to Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff-area staples, as well as attractions around the central Ohio area.
“We’ve got some great dining (in the Tri-Village area),” Dennis says. “We also have one of the greatest zoos in the country. Guests are going to love enjoying a day at the zoo.”
What to Know: Volunteering
The 2016 U.S. Senior Open is between 1,800-2,000. More than 1,000 are already signed up, and more than 300 are Scioto Country Club members, Dennis says.
Volunteers are expected to work three six-hour shifts over the seven-day period. Volunteers can decide to tackle more shifts if they wish.
“Some folks don’t want to miss a minute, so they’ll give you seven shifts,” Dennis says.
Most positions are available for those over the age of 18, though volunteers ages 12 and older can serve as standard bearers. Volunteers ages 14-17 can serve alongside a parent or guardian.
Volunteers will be able to sign up through July.
“We won’t be turning off that opportunity until the last minute,” Dennis says.
For more information and to register to volunteer, visit www.2016ussenioropen.com/volunteers.
What to Know: Transportation
Photos courtesy of Scioto Country Club
The U.S. Senior Open’s main admissions gate will be right off U.S. Rt. 33, Dennis says. Most of the parking areas around the country club will be used for hospitality and service parking. The major public parking will be west of the Ohio Stadium.
The commute from the parking area to the Scioto Country Club will be about seven minutes, Dennis says.
“We’re working very, very well with CampusParc and The Ohio State University, so we will have a great shuttle service from west campus parking,” Dennis says.
Hannah Bealer is an editor. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
