Matt Vogt, an amateur golfer, a professional dentist in McCordsville, Indiana, and former caddie at Oakmont Country Club (home of the US Open), has surprised the golf world by qualifying for the US Open, which takes place June 12-15.
I’ll try not to cry, I knew I could do it. I feel like I’m in a dream and none of this is real. I’m so happy
It may sound like a Hollywood movie script, but it’s not.
Golf’s Longest Day crowns dentist Matt Vogt
The amateur golfer earned his place in the US Open after a legendary and exhausting 36-hole round in a single day of US Open qualifying, known as ‘Golf’s Longest Day’ at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, Washington.
“I’ll try not to cry, I knew I could do it. I feel like I’m in a dream and none of this is real. I’m so happy,” he told Golf Channel after certifying his prowess in a test that specializes in transforming ordinary people into heroes.
Matt Vogt, from caddie to US Open participant: “I looked up at the sky and I know my father is with me”
Of his origins as a caddie, he said: “Oakmont (Pittsburgh) and everything there means a lot to me, having grown up in Pittsburgh and working as a caddie there… It took all the energy in my body not to think about that all day.”
Matt Vogt signed two rounds of 68 and finished 8-under par, earning one of the two spots available for the 156-player tournament.
The media-savvy dentist, and US Open participant, lost his father just two months ago: “When I started playing golf again and taking it seriously, he was the one who followed me. I knew he was following me today. I looked up to the sky and I know he’s with me, and he always will be with me.”
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