Over the past two months, the golf world witnessed two of the biggest major victories in history. Rory McIlroy finally donned the green jacket and Scottie Scheffler raised the Wanamaker trophy.
Now, with just nine days left before the third major of the season, all eyes have shifted to the $20 million event at Oakmont.
On Monday, golfers and spectators witnessed golf’s longest day, where professionals and amateurs battle across 10 qualifying sites for 47 coveted spots at the U.S. Open.
Among the notable qualifiers were professionals – Max Homa, Rickie Fowler, Cameron Young, Emiliano Grillo, Marc Leishman, Bud Cauley, Erik van Rooyen, and a caddie-turned-dentist, Matt Vogt, who turned heads.
Caddie turned Dentist honors late father
Born in Pittsburgh, Vogt spent six years caddying at Oakmont, gaining an intimate knowledge of the course. It appears that knowledge may pay off, albeit after a lengthy stint away from the golf course.
Vogt spent over seven years as a dentist in Indianapolis, but now he has secured a spot in his first-ever U.S. Open, which happens to be at Oakmont.
Vogt shot back-to-back 68s at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, Washington, finishing 8-under to claim one of two available spots. He will be joined by Brady Calkins, who carded seven under.
The dentist’s performance was nothing short of astounding.
In his first round, he carded four birdies in a five-hole stretch on holes 3, 5, 6, and 7, setting the tone for the day.
He closed the round with an eagle on 18, securing a strong 4-under 68. His second round mirrored the first, with six birdies and only two bogeys, ensuring another 68 and a final score of 8-under, enough to punch his ticket to Oakmont.
Reflecting on his journey, the ex-caddie was filled with emotions:
“I knew I could do this… Oakmont and Pittsburgh mean so much to me. It took every ounce of energy in my body to not think about that all day. I feel like I’m going to wake up from a dream here, but it’s real, and I’m so excited.”
Vogt’s triumph was bittersweet. Just two months ago, he lost his father, who had been his biggest supporter.
“The ribbon on my hat is for him.” He said while removing the cap in honour.
“He didn’t teach me the game, but we loved sports and shared that bond. When I started playing seriously, he was always tracking me, texting me after every birdie. I knew he was tracking me today. I looked up to the skies, and I knew he was with me. He’ll always be with me.”
After the achievement, he went on posting on Instagram, “This one’s for you Dad! Onward… 
#LongestDayInGolf“
While Matt Vogt’s exceptional qualification captured headlines, several big names fell short in Monday’s qualifiers. Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, Padraig Harrington, Matt Kuchar, and Eric Cole are some of the biggest.
Fowler, who had just earned a spot at The Open Championship, couldn’t replicate the success for the U.S. Open, missing out after finishing 5-under in the Columbus qualifier.
Homa, meanwhile, endured a grueling 36-hole battle, carrying his own bag. His three-putt bogey on the 36th and final hole forced him into a 5-man playoff, where Cameron Young’s clutch birdie sealed the last available spot.
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