The 2024 USDGA Championship at PGA Golf Club is shaping up to be a thrilling competition.
Chris Biggins, the 2019 USDGA Champion, has taken a two-shot lead in the men’s overall division after shooting a 2-over 73 in the second round, leading into the final round of this prestigious tournament.
“This event always holds a special place in my heart,” said Biggins, who is ranked as the No. 3 adaptive golfer in the world. “I’m sure it’s going to be a battle that will go down to the final hole.”
Meanwhile, Bailey Bish of Tucson, Arizona, is defending her women’s overall title after a 78 in the second round.
She has a one-shot lead over reigning U.S. Adaptive Open champion Ryanne Jackson of Seminole, Florida.
Bish’s journey has not been easy, as she suffers from dystonia, a muscle disease, and uses crutches to move from her cart to hit shots. Despite these challenges, she remains focused on her game.
“No falls today,” said Bish, who fell three times during the first round, but managed to regain her balance for the second round.
Last year’s victory was a significant moment for her, confirming that she belongs on the course with other top players.
Biggins leads with a 2-over 144 after two rounds, followed closely by Albert Bowker (73), Ken Green (73), and defending champion Chad Pfeifer (74).
Biggins’ consistency has been remarkable, making only four bogeys and two birdies in the first 36 holes.
Though his rounds have been contrasting, he remains optimistic about his chances.
“I hit the ball much better in the first round, but didn’t make any putts,” Biggins noted.
“Today the wind was up, and my short game saved me. I wish I could combine those two.”
In the men’s division, Ken Green, a five-time PGA Tour winner, is also in the running.
Although it’s been 35 years since his last title, Green has a chance to win, but he’ll need more than the one birdie he made in each of the first two rounds to catch Biggins. Green leads the Senior division with a five-shot lead over Robert Walden (73-152).
“One leg, one birdie … I guess that’s my role,” said Green, who lost part of his right leg in a 2009 RV accident.
“I’ve got to make more birdies. You can’t catch anybody making pars, especially on the last day.”
Bish started the day two shots behind Jackson, but her steady play and focus on each shot gave her the lead.
Jackson, on the other hand, struggled on the greens, admitting that she hadn’t made a putt longer than 5 feet in the first two rounds.
“It gets a bit frustrating at times,” Jackson commented. “I haven’t played a round in seven months, but winning last year’s Adaptive Open gave me a lot of confidence. I definitely have to putt better.”
The USDGA Championship, run by the U.S. Disabled Golf Association and presented by the PGA of America, continues to showcase the remarkable skills of adaptive golfers, demonstrating their resilience and dedication to the game.
For more information, visit usdgagolf.org.
