Valley Native Tommy Masters Earns Spot in U.S. Senior Open as a Good Sport

For over thirty years, Tommy Masters of Fresno has been teaching the game of golf. He made the decision to move to the San Joaquin Country Club full-time in late 1996, and has been there ever since. Originally from Virginia, Masters was a standout junior golfer who decided to forgo college and turn pro. Despite the challenges he faced on mini-tours, Masters has no regrets about his decisions.

After working in sales for a period, Masters fell back in love with golf in his late 20s and decided to pursue a career in teaching. Despite leaving the professional playing circuit for a teaching role in Fresno, Masters never lost his desire to compete at the highest level. He attempted to qualify for the Senior Open for years through a local qualifier, and after hitting a low point two years ago, he made a pact with himself to try again.

With his son on the bag, Masters returned to the Senior Open qualifier last year and, to his surprise, not only qualified but also took home medalist honors with a low score of 69. This emotional achievement marked a turning point in his golfing career and life, as he finally received recognition for his dedication to the game.

Masters now prepares for his first ever US Senior Open in Newport, Rhode Island, with his son by his side once again. This opportunity is a gift to him, one that he sees as a culmination of all his years spent teaching and playing golf. It’s a reminder that hard work, determination, and a love for the game can lead to incredible accomplishments.