"1,000 Games Milestone" Kalkbekeria Secures Special Entry Ticket for The Open~

Published 26 Apr.2022 07:51(KST)

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "1000 tournament appearances."

Mark Calcavecchia (USA, photo), who will turn 62 this June, reached a milestone of '1000 tournament appearances' on the 25th (Korean time) at the Champions (Senior) Tour ClubCorp Classic (total prize money $2 million) held at Las Colinas Golf Club (Par 71) in Irving, Texas, USA, organized by the PGA Tour. He is the 23rd player in history to achieve this, and Calcavecchia notably maintained his tour card for 25 consecutive years, accumulating 13 career wins, including 4 on the Champions Tour. It is interesting that he was the winner of the 2004 Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Maekyung Open.

The highlight year was 1989. Following the Phoenix Open in January, he won the LA Open in February and the 'greatest major' The Open Championship in July. At that time, after a playoff battle with 'The Great White Shark' Greg Norman (Australia), he rose to the ranks of major champions, drawing even more spotlight. It is regrettable that Calcavecchia did not have a farewell event when he turned 60 in 2020, as The Open was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also underwent back surgery last year.

This year, the exemption ticket given to past champions over 60 was removed. In response, Calcavecchia wrote a letter to The Open organizing committee. Through the Golf Channel, he introduced, "I pleaded for an opportunity to play in The Open one last time." The Open responded, "We unanimously invite you to this year's Open." Calcavecchia cheered, saying, "My wife, son, and daughter will all come together," and "My goal is to make the cut first."