PARKER — The so-called “youngsters” on the Champions Tour, those players in their early 50s, have historically hoarded most of the victories. Relative youth could be an even greater advantage beginning today in the 71st Senior PGA Championship at Colorado Golf Club, considering the rarefied air, windy conditions and hilly terrain that will confront the seniors for four days.
Electric golf carts are used at most Champions Tour events but are prohibited at this major championship.
“(This tournament) will favor those kind of guys that have kept their head on straight and led a less-than-sinful life,” said Hale Irwin, who turns 65 next week but remains in excellent shape. “I think those players that have kept themselves reasonably in condition (have an advantage).”
Statistics compiled by the Champions Tour show that 783 of the 915 victories in the tour’s history have been earned by players younger than 56. Those 60 and older have won just 18 times, three by Irwin.
The high point of Colorado Golf Club sits at about 6,200 feet in elevation.
“No question, you have to be in decent shape to go around,” co-designer Ben Crenshaw said. “Obviously, that might lend one to believe that the 54-years-of- age and younger guys or something (have the best chance). But that’s just arbitrary.”
Andy Bean, 57, said he feels the grind of walking the course. Bean stands 6-feet-4 and weighs 260 pounds.
“Everybody is going to be tired out here,” Bean said. “But certainly, the guy that has kept in top shape, it’s not going to wear on him as much as it’s going to wear on some others.
“You just try to take your time and catch your breath. You judge which holes where you have to speed up a little bit to give yourself a chance to rest 30 seconds before you hit your shot. If you can do that, then it’s OK. But if you have to swing right when you get there, it can be kind of tough.
“Everybody wants to have the honors (off the tee),” Bean added. “But you may not want the honors on a particular hole here. You might say, ‘You go ahead and hit, and I’ll just rest for a bit.’ “
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com
