2026 U.S. Adaptive Open Preview: Who and How to Watch

Jonathan Chown and Joshua Philbeck interact on the ninth hole after sinking their putts during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open at Woodmont Country Club
Jonathan Chown and Joshua Philbeck interact on the ninth hole after sinking their putts during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open at Woodmont Country Club. Logan Whitton / USGA.

The 5th U.S. Adaptive Open kicks off July 6, 2026, with three rounds before the winners are crowned. The participants are playing at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, MD, for the second year in a row. The tournament first debuted at Pinehurst in 2022.

96 golfers – both female and male – will be looking to win the overall title. Additionally, players will have an opportunity to win within their own categories; these can range from intellectual impairment to lower limb impairment to seated players to many more.

Just like the U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Open, these players are coming to Maryland from all over the U.S. and all over the world. 33 states and 9 countries will be represented at the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open. 79 of these players won qualifiers earlier this summer, while 17 of the participants were already exempt through past performances.

Who to Watch at the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open

Ryanne Jackson plays her tee shot on the first hole during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open.
Ryanne Jackson plays her tee shot on the first hole during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open. Kathryn Riley / USGA.

A few past champions have stood out over the last five years, and they’ll be competing this week for their second, third and even fourth overall titles. Past winners in the field include Bailey Bish (2024), Ryanne Jackson (2023), Kim Moore (2022, 2025), Kipp Poppert (2023, 2024, 2025) and Simon Lee (2022).

Kim Moore Looking for More

Kim Moore plays her tee shot on the first hole during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open.
Kim Moore plays her tee shot on the first hole during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open. Kathryn Riley / USGA.

Kim Moore won the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open in 2022 and last year’s here at Woodmont Country Club. Not only did she have an illustrious career as a Division II golfer at the University of Indianapolis, but she was also the first recipient of the Kim Moore Spirit Award, which is given to one female collegiate golfer who personifies perseverance and high character. She is currently a PGA Professional based out of Fort Wayne, IN.

When asked if Moore had any tips for those new to Woodmont, she said, “I think keeping it in the fairway is important, especially for the female adaptive golfers. I mean, the rough is not super long, it can just catch the golf ball and sink down in the grass there in the rough and get some squirrely lies.”

Kipp Poppert Going for Four in a Row

Kipp Popert reacts before his tee shot on the 15th hole during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open.
Kipp Popert reacts before his tee shot on the 15th hole during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open. Logan Whitton / USGA.

Kipp Poppert of England has won the last three U.S. Adaptive Opens in the men’s overall category. In 2025, he won three events on the G4D Tour and continues to lead the WR4GD rankings.

When compared to Tiger Woods, Poppert said, “I mean, the chance to go in and win four in a row is awesome. As awesome as it was to go in with a chance to win three in a row. To be mentioned alongside Tiger’s name is an absolute honor, but I don’t think it changes anything from my point of view. I got to that by focusing on myself and with my journey through golf, I’ve always had to sort of pave my own way and that’ll continue.”

Amy Bockerstette’s Got This

Amy Bockerstette rose to fame during the 2019 WM Phoenix Open with her “I got this!” exclamation before making a par on the famous par 3, Hole 16. She and Gary Woodland have been best friends ever since.

Bockerstette has since launched the I Got This Foundation to help those with Down Syndrome and intellectual disabilities learn how to play golf. This will be Bockerstette’s fifth straight appearance at the U.S. Adaptive Open.

Dennis Walters Brings Courage and Fun to the Golf Course Every Day

Celebrities like Dennis Walters will be in the field as well. At 76 years old, Walters is well-known and well-loved among the golf community for his trick shots tour – “The Dennis Walters Golf Show” – where he has traveled over 3.5 million miles performing more than 3,000 shows. He is the only member of the World Golf Hall of Fame competing this week.

Tommy Morrissey Shows Age Is Just a Number

On the other end of the age range is Tommy Morrissey of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. At just 15 years old, Morrissey has already played alongside Tiger Woods at professional and charity events. He’s also an ambassador for the unLIMBited Foundation, which raises awareness and support for children with limb differences.

Kelly Gorman Is an All-around Athlete

New to the U.S. Adaptive Open this year, Kelly Gorman won her qualifier this summer and is someone to keep your eye on. As a former high school lacrosse goalie (and three-time state champion), a college club golfer, a 6-time club champion and a current sled hockey player, Gorman’s athleticism and sunny attitude have inspired countless teammates, family members and friends. She is sure to be a force this week.

How to Watch the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open

Justin VanLanduit interacts with Thomas Duffy on the first hole during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open.
Justin VanLanduit interacts with Thomas Duffy on the first hole during a practice round ahead of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open. Logan Whitton / USGA.

The final round of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open will be aired live on Golf Channel, though there will be other content to view during the first two rounds as well on certain Golf Channel shows, listed below. All times are in ET.

Monday, July 6: 12:00-2:00pm ET on Golf Today, 4:00-5:00pm ET on Golf Central

Tuesday, July 7: 12:00-2:00pm ET on Golf Today, 4:00-5:00pm ET on Golf Central

Wednesday, July 8: 11:00am-1pm ET on Golf Today; 1:00-4:00pm ET on Golf Channel

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