Scott Ainsworth Competes in U.S. Senior Amateur Golf Tournament

Scott Ainsworth ’84 remarked, “I became a much better golfer after I turned 40 and pledge brother Jay Smith jokingly reminds me of that.”  Scott has played in some of the top amateur golf events in the U.S.  This includes the United States Amateur, two United States Mid Amateur’s; and later in August he will compete in his second United States Senior Amateur. All after turning 40.

Scott Ainsworth ’84 teeing off in one of his many USGA events.

Making the Cut

To qualify for the U.S. Senior Amateur tournament, you must be 55 years old or older and maintain a certain handicap.  Scott, who consistently shoots rounds in the 60’s and 70’s, has a current handicap of +1, which according to Scott makes it extremely difficult to win money from his buddies.

Scott, who is 61 years old, tied as the low qualifier for the 2024 U.S. Senior Amateur, which will be played in late August in Chattanooga, TN.  Qualifying and playing in a USGA event is recognized as quite an accomplishment by those who compete at this level.  Scott stated, “When I played in the U.S. Amateur (not Senior) in 2006, I was 43, which is very unusual, because the majority of the field are young college players.”  Over the years Scott has won 20 club championships at his golf club in Minnesota, and he continues to compete on the state and national levels.

Love of Golf Comes Naturally

Scott competing in the recent U.S. Senior Amateur golf tournament.

Scott’s love of golf came naturally as his father, Bud, was a Purdue graduate and the golf professional for the Purdue courses in the late 1940’s under President Hovde.  His Dad attended West Lafayette High School and was a Lafayette City Champion.

Scott was on the Purdue golf team in the early 1980’s with fellow Sigs Jay Smith ‘83, Jeff Wilson ‘84 and Rob Barkett ’86.  These brothers continue to stay close.  In early August the U.S. Amateur is being played at Hazeltine Golf Club in Minnesota and Jay Smith will be serving as one of the USGA golf officials for this event.  While Jay is in town, Scott, Jay and their wives will get together to talk about, what else, golf.  Scott is also looking forward to returning to Delta Delta in September for his class’s 40^th reunion.

We wish Brother Ainsworth the best in the U.S. Senior Amateur tournament and encourage him to “hit ‘em long and straight”.