Former SNGA President Fink Plays in U.S. Senior Open
Former Southern Nevada Golf Association president Steve Fink, 60, lived the ultimate golfer’s dream recently. He played in the 38th U.S. Senior Open at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts, June 29-July 2. Fink is an active SNGA member and played college golf at UCLA in the mid-1970s. –By Brian Hurlburt.
Fink shot 72 at a regional qualifying event held at Bear Creek Golf Club in Temecula, California, in June and finished as the first alternate. He officially secured his spot in the 151-player field when Steve Stricker and Dave Eichelberger withdrew just prior to the start of the Open.
“This alternate reality is unbelievable,” Fink said after his first day at the Open. “It’s a dream I’ve always had to be inside the ropes with some of the greatest players in the world and these are some of the greatest legends ever.”
Fink’s fantasy week included a Tuesday practice round played alongside tour legends Tom Kite and Billy Mayfair, and Chip Lutz, a fellow amateur.
“To play golf with Tom Kite was one incredible experience,” Fink said. “What a golf swing he has and what a gentleman. Mayfair blew me away with how far and how high he hit the ball. I enjoyed every minute of the experience.”
Fink gained some confidence in the latter part of the round and during an afternoon practice session when he spent some time with former college teammates Corey Pavin and Tom Pernice, Jr.
“I feel very good right now,” Fink said prior to the first round. “I don’t want to jinx myself, but I feel like I can play this course. I’m putting well and that’s key, and I’m a pretty good chipper. My goals and expectations are just like they were for the qualifier. I’m going to grind out as many pars as I can and find a birdie here and there.”
Once in action, Fink acquitted himself pretty well for an amateur with a full-time job. He fired rounds of 79-77, but missed the cut. No matter the result, it was the experience of a lifetime.
“Clearly, I am disappointed that I didn’t play to my ability, but that doesn’t diminish the amazing experience,” Fink said. It was the top of the bucket list, for sure. I hit balls next to Tom Watson, had breakfast with Mark O ‘Meara and gave John Cook a quick bunker lesson. I also asked Faldo if he had fun after the first round, he said ‘not really’. I asked again after the second round and he said ‘a little’. It was cool to have my locker next to his. I also really enjoyed all the UCLA Bruins. Scotty McCarran was especially nice. Michael Allen is another pro who was extra nice to me.”
After missing the cut, Fink stayed for the weekend and still had inside-the-ropes access.
