John Turk Qualifies For U.S. Senior Amateur In First Attempt

John Turk survived a roller coaster round, carding a one-over-par 73 at Reflection Bay, to earn a spot in the 2018 U.S. Senior Amateur. Turk will join a talented field in the prestigious U.S. Senior Amateur ,which will be held Aug. 25-30 at Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Ore. — By Bill Bowman, Las Vegas Golf Insider staff.

Turk’s round included five birdies, two bogeys and two double bogeys. But, he was more than happy with the round. He beat Charles Frey by a stroke.

“I just got back from two tours in the Middle East so it’s the first time I’ve touched a club since May 14,” he said. “So I’ll take 73. The game will come around. My short game held me back a little.”

He also hasn’t lost his sense of humor. “Getting old and making mental errors was also a factor today,” the 66-year-old Turk added with a laugh.

It will be the first U.S. Senior Amateur for Turk.

“I’ve never tried to qualify before,” he said. “I never had time off from work. In fact, I’ll have to see if my boss will let me off to go.”

If he makes the trip to Eugene, he has a couple of goals in mind. “I just want to play the best I can and at least get into match play,” he said. “Getting through stroke play would be good. Baby steps.”