OAKMONT, Pa. — In the event you’re searching for a lesser-known participant for whom to root at this week’s U.S. Open, Chase Johnson isn’t a foul choice.
Johnson, who competes on the Advocates Skilled Golf Affiliation, a circuit that gives alternatives for minority gamers, received into the sphere because the final of the 156 in it.
He was concerned in a five-for-one playoff for the final spot on the Columbus, Ohio, remaining qualifier, however ended up as the primary alternate — forward of PGA Tour winners Eric Cole, Max Homa and Rickie Fowler.
He received into the sphere when Bud Cauley grew to become absolutely exempt by way of the High 60 within the Official World Golf Rating as of June 9.
Cauley was one of many six qualifiers in Columbus.
With Tiger Woods his idol rising up, it’s not misplaced on Johnson that he’s the one black participant within the subject this week.
“That’s one of many missions of the APGA Tour, which is nice,’’ Johnson stated. “I used to be in a position to sort of rebuild my platform slightly bit on the market on that tour beginning in 2023, after I misplaced my Korn Ferry Tour card. Guys are getting nice on the market, and Willie Mack [another APGA player] performed within the Open final yr and certified.
“It’s only a matter of time. Like all these Pathway guys, like their model of PGA TOUR U, is creating some actually sturdy gamers. We’re going to maintain on engaged on it, however hopefully I can proceed to construct my platform and construct that platform for different gamers to only proceed to develop the sport.’’
Johnson wasn’t daunted at taking part in towards established PGA Tour gamers within the qualifier as a result of he’s performed towards these gamers since he was a youth.
“I definitely was the underdog in the playoff, but I didn’t feel it like that way at all,’’ he said. “We all played together on Korn Ferry for two years. Then being on the Cobra Puma team, I’ve gotten to know Rickie to a certain extent over the last couple years, and then did an event for Tiger’s Jr. Invitational last fall with Max. So. there was some familiarity with all the players.”
Johnson famous he’s even competed towards world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
“Scottie and I are the identical age, and I’ve been taking part in towards him since we had been juniors,’’ he stated. “Clearly, he’s figured one thing out lots faster than I did. However ultimately I’ll get to the purpose that I need to be at.’’
