The number 59 is sacred in golf. It’s a score rarely seen under any circumstances, but Fred Couples managed to cross the threshold on Wednesday in a practice round as he prepared to play in the Boeing Classic on the Champions Tour.
As a hometown hero in the Seattle, Wa. area, Couples is always a big attraction. After torching the Broadmoor Golf Club with the ever-elusive score of 59, he’s going to be a heavy favorite to win this weekend’s tournament.
As it so happens, Couples had no idea he was on the cusp of the hallowed number approaching No. 18 on Wednesday.
“When I played the 18th hole, I had no idea I was 9 under, but it was a really good day,” Couples said Thursday (h/t pga.com). “I hit the ball really well and, you know, you don’t shoot 59 very often from any tees. I was excited because I’ve had a lot of time off.”
Couples will kick off Friday’s action at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge playing with Jeff Maggert—the hottest man on tour right now with three victories this season—and Bernhard Langer.
He has never won a tournament near his hometown. His highest finish at the Boeing Classic was fifth place, achieved in his last two appearances. He is eager to remedy the situation this weekend.
“I want to win every tournament I play in and that doesn’t happen and you win once in a blue moon,” Couples said. “But I would trade a lot of things to win here.”
Perhaps shooting a 59 will spark a big hometown win for the easiest-going golfer in the world.