Two-time defending men’s champion Kipp Popert made history on Monday at the U.S. Adaptive Open. The Englishman carded a championship record 11-under 61 in the opening round on Woodmont Country Club’s South Course in Rockville, Maryland. Popert broke his own championship record of 65, which he set last year.
One of 96 players representing eight impairment categories, Popert went out in 29 on the strength of two par-5 eagles and three birdies. His back nine effort included five birdies and one bogey.
Born 10 weeks early and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Popert endured 10 surgeries en route to becoming to the No. 1-ranked disability golfer. In January, he underwent a toe fusion surgery that he said is taking longer to heal than expected.
“My foot’s been a bit sore, and and I managed it pretty well the last couple days,” said Popert, who only played four holes of a practice round. “What was working – drove it well, wedged it really well and holed the putts. I’ve missed this, and it was just nice to be back.”
Last week, Popert advanced through local qualifying for the U.S. Amateur. On July 14, he’ll take part in final qualifying for a chance to compete this August at The Olympic Club.
“I love the pressure,” said Popert of trying to three-peat this week. “I think it’s a good thing, it means you’re doing something good if you’ve got pressure. I’ve always enjoyed that. I’ve had a lot of months this year of boredom. So yeah, give me all of it; I like it.”
Popert currently holds a six-shot lead over fellow Englishman Mike Browne (lower limb impairment) and seated player Max Togisala of Utah.
Togisala won the 2023 and 2024 U.S. Adaptive Open men’s seated category, noting on Instagram that he didn’t tee the ball up one time last year during the competition. Togisala now has a chance to win the overall division after a sparkling 5-under performance.
The 21-year-old – who was set to play college golf before he was paralyzed in a ski accident in February 2022 – had to relearn the game after his accident from a seated position.
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