Golfer to make a run at Champions Tour
After two short stints, more than 20 years apart, as a golf pro, Bethesda amateur Terry Burke will take one more stab later this year when he attempts to qualify for the Champions Tour.
Recommended Stories
Will the third time be a charm?
Considering the way Burke played last week, luck may not be required.
Firing a 64-72 – 136 Monday and Tuesday at Chestnut Ridge, Burke won the 23rd Maryland Mid-Amateur by three strokes. It was an unprecedented third state Mid-Am for Burke, who also won in 2000 and 2007. The tournament is for players age 30 and over.
There was little drama last week after an opening round in which Burke reached 7-under-par through 17 holes. On the 18th hole, Burke, gunning for one more birdie and a 62, flew his 9-iron over the green and settled for a bogey and a tie for the course record.
The display was no surprise considering Burke also has won a D.C. Amateur, twice been the low amateur at the Maryland Open, and has claimed eight club championships — four each at Congressional and Burning Tree.
Later this year, after he turns 50, Burke will play in the regional round of Champions Tour qualifying in hopes of advancing to the National Qualifying Finals, Nov. 17-20, at TPC Scottsdale. The top five players in the field of 78 will be fully exempt. Players who finish in spots 6-12, receive conditional status on the tour.
“I’m kind of a late bloomer,” said Burke. “I always had talent, but I was never that dedicated.”
After graduating from Kentucky, where he played on scholarship, Burke returned home and worked as an assistant pro at Burning Tree, later regaining his amateur status when he began a career in the insurance business.
Twenty years later, Burke interrupted his career to test his skills on the Florida-based Golden Bear Tour. Following a successful season in 2004, Burke turned pro a second time. But an elbow injury, combined with stiff competition against up-and-comers such as current PGA Tour standout Steve Marino, led him back to Bethesda.
“I thought it was my best chance to get ready for the Senior tour,” said Burke. “But it was tough. And there were other reasons, family and business, for me to get back home.”
These days, Burke is troubled by an arthritic right ankle and walks with a limp. But he can play through the pain, especially if he makes it to the Champions Tour.
“They let you play with a golf cart there,” said Burke.
If he gets there, the ride will be sweet, indeed.
