Golf: Just call his plans flexible for State Open

Last year, super senior Rich Anderson had to reschedule a flight when he made the finals. He'd be happy to reprise that scenario.

By JACKIE FRIEDMAN, Star Tribune

Last update: July 25, 2008 - 7:02 AM

Rich Anderson has low expectations and a plane ticket for Saturday night -- after the two preliminary rounds of the Minnesota State Open but before the final on Sunday.

He's scheduled to leave Minneapolis at 5:06 p.m. and arrive in Chantilly, Va., at 8:38. Of course, he's OK with calling Northwest Airlines to reschedule. He had to last year, when he shot a combined 142 in the first two rounds and made the cut for Sunday's final, finishing 19th overall.

"Believe me, it was a thrill to be able to do what I did last year," Anderson said. "I'd love to have it happen again."

The 68-year-old from Bloomington is the senior participant in the Minnesota State Open, a tournament boasting an average age of 29 for its 156 participants. The event will take place today through Sunday at the Bunker Hills Golf Club in Coon Rapids.

Anderson said it's not that he's a pessimist about making the cut -- he's a realist.

Just like last year, he is scheduled to play in the Dave King Senior Invitational in Haymarket, Va. The practice round is Sunday, while the tournament starts Monday.

As if Anderson needs the extra practice.

He is the No. 2-ranked Super Senior Amateur (age 65 and older) for the second year. He's driving the ball better than ever, averaging 250-270 yards off the tee. And he plays golf probably 175 days a year, in at least 20 senior amateur events.

"[Golf] is a constant journey," Anderson said. "Everyone that plays golf knows they can do better. You really never accomplish everything you want to accomplish, but you keep trying at it.

"To be able to compete in the State Open it's just the fact that, hey, here's a guy that's not supposed to be here."

Anderson started golfing when he was 9 or 10, tagging along and getting in the way of his father, Red Anderson, a softball pitcher inducted into the Minnesota Sports Federation Hall of Fame.

Anderson played for the St. Louis Park golf team through high school, then tag-teamed with Gary Thorp, a friend and fellow golfer, to earn money through the sport in the mid-'70s.

"Back 30 years ago, we were probably winning $10,000 a year, apiece," Thorp said, figuring the duo won at least 75 percent of the time. "We pretty much didn't have a chance of losing."

Anderson can see the Minnesota Valley Golf Course from his window, but Interlachen Country Club is his home course -- "home" in a loosely defined version of the word.

"I play far more rounds away from Interlachen then I do there," he said, laughing.

His golfing career, primary to his actual career as principal owner of France 44 Wine & Spirits, allowed him to travel to Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and through most of the United States.

Though there's something to be said for the opportunity to play in his home state, in a tournament he played in during the 1960s when he was in his 20s.

"It's not likely that I will," Anderson said of advancing to the finals. "I mean I'm going to do my best, but for me to be able to make the cut, the top 60. ... Maybe I can surprise myself again this year. If it happens, it'll be another good thrill for me. I'll do the whole rescheduling all over again."