Philbeck relishes his maiden U.S. Adaptive Open experience

July 7, 2026July 8, 2026 Ken MacLeod

By Garrett Johnston

It was an eventful past few days for Indian Springs Country Club member Joshua Philbeck of Broken Arrow at the 5th U.S. Adaptive Open at Woodmont Country Club.

Philbeck and his wife Jenny drove halfway across the country on Friday to get to Rockville, Maryland this week for his debut appearance in this USGA championship. He shot 77 in the opening round Monday and 86 Tuesday to miss the cut but loved every second of the opportunity.

“Even though I didn’t play great golf today, it’s got me fired up to play more golf,” Philbeck said after Tuesday’s round. “I think it’s one of the greatest tournaments I’ve ever played in. Winning the division will definitely be a goal for next year.”

“The vibe out here is amazing and the people were so inspiring to be around. I was very impressed. I’m surprised that this many people with those kind of impairments could play that good of golf. I thought that it was incredible, the venue and the facility and the people there at Woodmont were all just first class. It was just a wonderful experience.”

Regardless of his score or performance this week, Philbeck said he feels an immense sense of gratitude to have made it to this championship. Philbeck was born with Holt-Oram syndrome, which affects the upper limbs and heart. He underwent 15 surgeries, most of them at the Mayo Clinic, to repair a defect in his heart and reconstruct his hands and fingers, losing both thumbs in the process. Still he became a highly-skilled golfer who was an instructor at Cherokee Hills years back and put out a video called “The Wizard’s Way” rife with solid golf advice.

The 51-year-old Philbeck carries an 8.4 handicap at Indian Springs, where he has been a beloved member since 2005.

“He’s just wonderful,” said Natalie Gough, the former Oklahoma City University All-American who has been competing on the All Pro Tour and works in the Indian Springs pro shop. “All the members love him. He’s inspiring and always so nice to be around.”

“I’m just super excited to compete and be with all the different variety of players from the qualifiers, the seated players, the players with cerebral palsy, just a multitude of people,” Philbeck said prior to the event. “I mean they’re incredible folks and I’m excited to hopefully play and compete and do really well. If not, it’s just gonna be a great experience. It’s been such a journey and just to show some others that anything is possible and you know, any obstacles can be overcome.”

Philbeck credits his parents for encouraging him as a child that anything was possible despite the affliction. He also competed in the U.S. Adaptive Tennis Open.

“I had two incredible parents, and they really instilled in me that anything was possible and that that there is no can’t. And so even though my arms are different and I have eight fingers, you know, that has not prevented me from doing anything in my life,” Philbeck said.

“And I think that’s really a testament to my mother and dad and to my brothers and and being the youngest of three. I hope I’ve instilled that into my children as well. They’re going to be 22 and 15, and I’m just feeling so grateful for them and for this opportunity this week,”