Bears and Golf: A Unique U.S. Senior Open Tradition

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A black bear caught the attention of spectators as it climbed a tree during the practice round of the U.S. Senior Open at The Broadmoor East Course on June 27, 2018. The young bear, which caused quite a stir, was later tranquilized and relocated by wildlife officials.

Such bear sightings have become part of the lore surrounding The Broadmoor, known for its picturesque landscape and wildlife. The connection between nature and golf dates back to the hotel’s founder, Spencer Penrose, who received a black bear as a gift in 1916, two years before opening the resort. He also hired famed architect Donald Ross to design the golf course, marking the beginning of a rich history.

Starting Thursday, The Broadmoor will again host the U.S. Senior Open, with 156 elite golfers competing. Fred Dickman, the property’s maintenance director, describes the golf course as a sanctuary surrounded by mountains. “We see them often during the summer,” Dickman said about the bears. “When they see people, they just scatter.”

The spectacle of bears wandering onto golf courses has garnered attention in the past. During the 2008 U.S. Senior Open, a bear roamed the 13th fairway during the first round, prompting ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt to remark, “Apparently, the U.S. Senior Open is being played in a zoo.”

Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer was on the course that day and recounted his experience with the bear. “We heard this commotion, then we look over and about 100 yards away this bear was coming straight at us. I just stood still and tried to be non-threatening,” Langer recalled.

In 2018, another bear made headlines, climbing a tree near the 17th tee box and drawing a crowd. Russ Miller, The Broadmoor’s director of golf, noted that bears are naturally curious and attracted to food. “They’re not going to hurt anybody. They just want a hot dog. Or a hundred hot dogs,” Miller said.

As the U.S. Senior Open approaches, both players and officials hope for a safe and enjoyable tournament without bear interruptions. However, the presence of bears has become an expected, if not cherished, part of the event’s character.

“This is their home, and they don’t know to leave for a week because there’s a golf tournament,” Miller said.