While the rest of residents in Warren County could only imagine the pressure 19-year-old local Brett Patterson faced when he played the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club, Corker DeLoach could relate to the newest golf great from McMinnville.
DeLoach, 62, was the first Warren County resident to ever play the U.S. Open, taking part in the event in 1970 at Hazeltine Golf Course in Chaska, Minn.
Back then, DeLoach was a 21-year-old who had just finished his sophomore season at the University of Houston. DeLoach’s path to the Open, much like Patterson’s, involved taking part in a qualifying tournament. DeLoach recalled being one of six players to gain a spot in the U.S. Open out of a field of 100 players.
DeLoach was one of three amateurs to make the field in the tournament in Dallas. The other two were Ben Krenshaw and Tom Kite, who both went on to win PGA majors in their career.
Qualifying for the 1970 U.S. Open was a great treat for DeLoach. The tournament however wasn’t nearly as enjoyable. Playing in poor weather conditions, DeLoach shot 80 in his first round and ended the tournament by missing the cut. The weather was one thing DeLoach could vividly recall.
“The weather wasn’t so good. I went out and shot 80, which wasn’t so bad because the best round was a 72,” said DeLoach. “The next day the weather cleared up a little, but I missed the cut by a few strokes.”
England-born Tom Jacklin went on the win the 1970 U.S. Open, holding the distinction of being the last European to win the event until Graeme McDowell won in 2010.
Though the experience lasted only two days, DeLoach made memories he will never forget. One which stuck out was being the next-door neighbor of what would become one of the most famous golfers ever.
“I will never forget me and one of my Houston teammates were roommates at a hotel during the Open,” said DeLoach. “Our next-door neighbor at the hotel turned out to be Mason Rudolph.”
Rudolph went on to win five PGA tour events.
Following the Open, DeLoach returned to college, where he finished his final two years playing for the Cougars. After college, DeLoach tried for five years to make the PGA tour.
Though DeLoach never made it to the PGA, he did claim three tournament victories. His prize money never exceeded $5,000, but it was the competition he faced which stands out the most.
“The last pro tournament I won, we played a foursome the final day,” said DeLoach. “My playing partners were Calvin Peete, Bruce Lietzke and Don Pooley.
“Those were some big-time hitters back in the day. Calvin went on to play in the PGA and Bruce and Don still play some on the Senior Tour.”
Though health issues have kept DeLoach from competing on the course in the last few years, he still regularly keeps up with the game. DeLoach watched the U.S. Open, remarking how skilled the players have become over the years.
The fire of competitive golf has never left DeLoach though. Even 41 years after DeLoach made his debut at the U.S. Open, and eight years after picking up clubs and playing regularly, the game of golf still calls to him.
“I want to get back out there,” said DeLoach. “I’d like to play again.”