Paul Wackerly eager to play the world's best at U.S. Senior Open

Paul Wackerly isn’t just satisfied that he’s playing in the U.S. Senior Open this week.

“I’m here to compete. I’m not just happy to make it,” he said. “(My goal) is to finish as high as I can.”

Wackerly, 53, who lives in Minerva, will be playing against more than 150 other golfers, including three other Ohioans and six World Golf Hall of Famers. The tournament begins July 2 at the Scioto Country Club in Columbus.

The field includes golf legends such as Stewart Cink, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer and Dave Love III.

“It’s hard to get in the tournament, you know, so how many guys are actually going to make it from Stark County?” Wackerly said.

Wackerly survived both stages of qualifying and a playoff to earn the U.S. Senior Open start. At the local qualifier Orchard Ridge Country Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on April 29, he posted a 72. He followed with a 70 at the Miami Valley Golf Club in the sudden death match to advance to the championship. But for him qualifying isn’t enough.

Mike Pozderac, whose family operates the Carroll Meadows Golf Course in Carrollton where Wackerly serves as a pro, had high praise for Wackerly’s competitive spirit.

“He puts in countless hours every week. He’s on the driving range, he’s on the chipping greens, putting greens for just hours on end,” Pozderac said. “His game is as good as I’ve ever seen him play.”

Wackerly, who boasts an extensive golfing career, has competed in several tournaments like the Ohio Open and Tigertown Open. Recently, he has come out on top in the senior division of the 2025 Toledo Open and 2024 Indian River Open. This year, however, will be his first at the U.S. Senior Open after being a shot away the past couple of years.

“I’m obviously going to feel nervous when we tee off the first round. Take a couple of holes and get that out of the way. But other than that, it’s still golf,” Wackerly said.

While the nerves may be high in Columbus, there is a collective feeling of anticipation back at Carrollton.

“Everybody is so excited. It’s been such a buzz,” Pozderac said. “I mean I can’t be more proud of him. This is a great accomplishment.”

Pozderac’s wife, Jackie, agreed, adding that several members of the community were already driving down to Columbus to cheer on Wackerly.

And if there’s any worry about the ongoing heat advisory affecting Wackerly’s play, Mike Pozderac assured that since he previously lived in Florida, Wackerly can handle the heat.

Welcome to the U.S. Senior Open, @IanJamesPoulter!

The Englishman makes his championship debut this week at Scioto 😎 pic.twitter.com/3CdaFtOsZK

— USGA (@USGA) June 30, 2026

The U.S. Golf Association’s U.S. Senior Open started in 1980 and is open to professional golfers, and top-tier amateurs who are at least 50 years old. This year, the USGA accepted 2,780 entries, including 118 from Ohio and 38 from foreign countries

“Every time you play a tournament, you learn more. Sometimes, it takes guys a little longer to figure it out,” Wackerly said.

The four-day tournament will be broadcast on the Golf Channel, Peacock and NBC.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Paul Wackerly eager to play the world’s best at U.S. Senior Open