An epic U.S. Open qualifying experience for Glenmaura’s MatthewsBrandon Matthews became an instant Golf Channel sensation June 3. Cameras captured the Temple University freshmen’s remarkable chip-in for par on the 18th hole at Century Country Club in Purchase, N.Y., site of a U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier, and a 2-under-par finish. A smattering of applause from onlookers and an exuberant Matthews’ grin and leap followed. The shot, at that time, put Matthews into one of four available qualifying positions. Another amateur in the field, however, showed late heroics of his own to seize Matthews’ qualifying status. Gavin Hall, an 18 year old who will head to the University of Texas in the fall, birdied his final four holes advance. As a result, Matthews is first alternate and still all smiles. “I am so lucky and blessed for all of the opportunities I’ve had so far, and yesterday’s was absolutely top of the world,” Matthews, 18, of Dupont, Pa., said. “There is no disappointment. I didn’t have my game in the morning, and in the afternoon when I found something, obviously I played a great round of golf. Making that shot on the last hole under pressure and the up-and-down I made before that … I couldn’t ask for more.” Matthews, a Glenmaura National Golf Club and Fox Hill Country Club member, posted rounds of 72 and 67 — one stroke off the cut. On the aforementioned 18th at Century, his approach sailed over the green and onto the base of tree. Cue Golf Channel’s countless replays and one of the most thrilling highlights from “Golf’s Longest Day.” “I literally couldn’t do anything with the golf ball,” Matthews, the Golf Association’s 2011 Junior Boys’ Champion and reigning Patterson Cup titleholder, said. “I had to take an unplayable. I took my two club lengths and hit a flop shot absolutely perfect, into the hole. It really was special.” Prior to the epic chip-in, Matthews executed a critical, “1 in 50 up-and-down” on the par 3, 230-yard 17th hole. He hit a 4-iron that settled near an adjacent teebox and left Matthews shortsighted for his second shot. “I had to maneuver a tree limb that was above it (my golf ball), so I had to keep it low, pitch it into a bank and roll it up there,” Matthews said. “I rolled it up to eight feet and made the putt. It was unbelievable.” Prior to his afternoon round, Matthews “figured something out on the range” to quickly become a leaderboard staple. He birdied the first hole at Century to move to 1 over but dealt with setbacks on Nos. 3 and 5. Matthews’ downhill 12-footer to save par on the latter hung over the hole, but never dropped. “That was kind of unlucky there,” Matthews said. “My caddie said, ‘What more can you do? You’re playing great. You should be 2 under right now. You’re swinging great.’” That reassurance manifested itself into three birdies and an eagle over the next five holes. A four-footer on No. 6, a 15-footer from above the No. 7 flagstick, a four-footer for a 3 on the par 5, 490-yard No. 8 following a spectacular 7-iron and a gimme two-footer on No. 10. As a first alternate for the U.S. Open, Matthews still has a chance to compete at Merion. He’ll head to the Ardmore, Pa. venue to practice throughout the week — filled with optimism. “I’m still very hopeful,” he said. “I think there’s a good chance I’m going to get in. If I don’t, I don’t. I’m still going to have a very nice week and learn a lot, probably more than I ever have, just watching those guys practice.” Here’s how other locals fared in U.S. Open Sectional qualifying:
• Christopher Ault, Yardley Country Club, 72-76 at Brookside Golf & Country Club and The Lakes Golf & Country Club in Columbus, Ohio.
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A Walk Through Time
GAP is the oldest state or regional golf association in the country. It started courtesy of a friendly competition � the Team Matches � and has grown into the preeminent golf association in the country. Along the way, golf history has been made.
