Kevin Coombs played his greatest round of golf on the biggest stage.
The 50-year-old from Camas shot a one under par score of 69 strokes during the first round of the Senior U.S. Open July 11, at Omaha (Neb.) Country Club.
“It was my best round of golf, given the circumstances. I’ve put up lower scores, but to put up a red number in a PGA tournament was an incredible experience,” Coombs said. “It was great to have my parents there, my wife there and my son on the bag. Some of my best friends were also there watching me. It was special for me to be able to share that moment with all of them.”
Coombs started off with a bogey on the 10th hole, but he bounced back with birdies on holes 12 and 14. Coombs saved par on 16 after his tee shot landed in a sand trap. He also made birdie putts on two and four.
“I am now three under par after 13 holes in the Senior U.S. Open,” Coombs said. “I am having fun and not worried about where I stand. Just playing well.”
As he approached the fifth green, Coombs saw his name on the scoreboard.
“I didn’t know I was tied for the lead,” he said. “At that point in time, I’m thinking, ‘I’m on the leaderboard. That’s cool, but I have more work to do.”