The U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club saw Hiroyuki Fujita take sole possession of the lead with a 4-under 66 in the second round, finishing 11 under for the tournament. Steve Stricker also shot a 66 to stay near the top of the leaderboard. Fujita’s strong start included birdies on three of his first five holes, including a difficult 241-yard par-3 that he birdied to break a tie with Stricker. Richard Green of Australia finished one stroke behind Fujita at 10 under for the tournament.
Tee times for the third round were adjusted due to anticipated heavy fog, with golfers playing in threesomes from both first and 10th tees. Terry Francona, honorary chair of the U.S. Senior Open and former Boston Red Sox manager, was seen supporting close friend Billy Andrade. Andrade made the cut after shooting a 74 in the second round, following an impressive 6-under 64 on Day 1. Francona expressed his support for Andrade and the local community’s excitement for his chance to win the tournament.
Frank Bensel made history by hitting back-to-back aces on the fourth and fifth holes during the second round, becoming the first player to achieve this feat in USGA history. His son, Hagen Bensel, served as his caddie and called for a 7-iron on the fourth hole. Bensel’s career highlight in the U.S. Senior Open came as a memorable moment with his son by his side. Although Bensel did not make the cut, the accomplishment of consecutive holes-in-one will be remembered forever.
Stricker acknowledged the challenges posed by the windy conditions at Newport Country Club, emphasizing the need to adjust to different winds on every hole. Despite his strong start in the tournament, Stricker remained focused on the remaining rounds and the unpredictability of the weather. With a talented field of competitors, including Green and Fujita, the U.S. Senior Open was shaping up to be a competitive event.
The Newport Country Club provided a picturesque setting for the U.S. Senior Open, with its unique ocean-facing holes adding to the challenge for the players. The tournament showcased the skill and resilience of senior golfers like Fujita, Stricker, and Green, who navigated the course’s intricacies to secure top positions on the leaderboard. The excitement and camaraderie at the event, highlighted by Francona’s support for Andrade and Bensel’s historic achievement, added to the overall appeal of the tournament.
