U.S. Senior Open kicks off in Colorado Springs, fans come out to watch their favorites

It’s time for 150 golfers to tee off for the 39th Annual U.S. Senior Open. The event kicked off at The Broadmoor Monday morning with practice runs, including the amateurs.

Jeremy Slagle, an amateur player said he felt humbled, “it’s pretty neat. I mean the thing is, you’ve got to look at this like another golf tournament but you’re kind of awestruck.”

Hundreds of people showed up to try and catch their favorite players from back when they were young. A fan from Pueblo said, “it’s just amazing to see them play as well as they do being over 50. It’s kind of inspiring.”

A perk for fans coming on the first day is getting to shake hands with their favorites. Russell Wertz, also making the drive from Pueblo said, “to watch the guys here that I grew up with there all my age or younger some of them.”

The only potential hiccup for spectators is parking. Fans have to park at a public parking lot near I-25, and they’re shuttled into The Broadmoor. A spectator we spoke with said it wasn’t a problem, “I think this is what The Broadmoor was built for, lots of high volume and good events.”

Other people in the crowd were admiring the game and picking up tips. One man said he needed to, “hit the ball down the middle. That’s what he did.”

The competition will begin on Thursday.