Familiar names are atop the leaderboard after the first round of the 2026 U.S. Adaptive Open.
However, before we dive into the recap, let’s set the scene. The morning kicked off with a ceremonial flag raise and George Dennehy singing the national anthem. A talented musician, Dennehy learned how to play the cello and eventually the guitar with just his feet. He was born without either arm, but that didn’t stop him from using his beautiful voice and musical talent to inspire a generation of musicians.
Inspiration, gratitude, excitement, hope, nervousness – all of these words could be used to describe the first day of competition. With the first group off at 7:30am ET, the magic started to happen.
One player’s family member commented on seeing 2024 champion Bailey Bish’s swing for the first time, saying how incredible it was to see her body come to life while she was swinging a golf club. Golf has a special ability to be played several ways, and each participant was able to showcase her or his own unique swing and love for the game. Their joy on the golf course has us wondering why it took until 2022 to give these players a platform, but the USGA has done a wonderful job supporting them on this large stage ever since.
Not only is each player and caddie pair given a golf cart, but there are plenty of four-wheel scooters available for spectators. All locker rooms and facilities are located on the first floor, including the pro shop. It’s like another U.S. Women’s Open or U.S. Open, and that’s exactly how it should be.
What everyone was most excited about – besides the prestige of competing at such a championship venue – was the community. Friends from previous years at the U.S. Adaptive Open reconnected. New qualifiers had a chance to meet more friends on and off the golf course, especially at the Players’ Dinner.
Kelly Gorman, one of our players to watch, is playing in her first U.S. Adaptive Open. When asked what her favorite part of the week has been off the golf course, she immediately answered, “ Oh, the Players’ Dinner, honestly. It was just such a special environment to be in. I was not prepared for it to be emotional. But, you know, to hear from our past champion, Kim Moore, she just gave the best advice and she’s such a leader, you can tell on the golf course, but also really in this community as well. But to be welcomed by so many people, I’ve met so many new friends and really I’m so grateful to be a part of this community and to be here for this tournament.”
There’s no doubt she’ll be coming back for years to come, and she’s not alone.
However, to see who’s on their way to being exempt for the next few years, let’s dive into today’s playing.
Kim Moore, who won this event here at Woodmont Country Club last year, continued to feel confident on the golf course during the first round. After a 76 (+4), she was leading Sunyoung Kim and Cassie Sengul by one.
“You can’t win it on the first day but you can definitely lose it, so definitely putting a good score out there the first day is extremely important,” said Moore. “I feel like I did okay. Obviously had some shots out there that I think I could have totally had back if I could have had Mulligans, but you never know. But, no, I’ll take it. I’ll take the position I’m in so far, and we’ll see how it holds up.”
Moore added, “Pars are good out here, and if I can just continue to play my game, you know, try to eliminate some of the bigger mistakes – I had a double today – so if I could have taken that away I think I would’ve been a little happier. Trying to keep it to bogey is always a good goal of mine.”
Bish was asked to comment on the event’s growth she’s seen over the years. She said, “It’s incredible to see so many familiar faces and all the new faces as well. It really shows that adaptive golf is growing. To see all these women that are coming for the first time to this event is great and it shows that women adaptive golfers are really be recognized and competing at high levels now.”
On the men’s side, many were unsurprised to see defending champion (and champion from the last three years) Kipp Popert atop the leader. He’s tied with Justin Carlock after they both shot 68 (-4).
A first-time player at the U.S. Adaptive Open, Carlock said, “It was unbelievable. This golf course, I just want to start by giving credit to the team here and the golf course itself. It’s absolutely so special for all of us to be here. I’m sure I speak for a lot of us being able to be here this week.”
Popert also commented about his first round, saying, “Yeah, no, was really pleased with the round. I played solid. I didn’t maybe hit it as – let’s be honest, I think I was really pleased with the round considering last year obviously just stiffed it the whole time. So I was managing my expectations and not getting ahead of myself if that makes sense. Trying to be patient. Worked really well.”
Being in contention isn’t a bad birthday present either. Popert turned 28 today.
Tomorrow, tee times will kick off the 1st and 10th tees again at 7:30am ET, the final round before the cut.
