U.S. Open Drama: Local Golfers Near Cut Line at Oakmont

A Tense Finish for Hopefuls McCormick and Nicholas

OAKMONT, Pa. – The pressure was palpable as Ryan McCormick and James Nicholas, two local golfers from the Met Area, faced a crucial moment on the 18th hole during the U.S. Open’s second round. With both players needing to secure their spots for the weekend, they approached their putts with high hopes but ultimately left feeling deflated.

18th Hole Heartbreak

Both McCormick and Nicholas missed their respective putts from around 15 feet to the right of the hole, leaving them with a score of 7-over par. They walked off the 18th green, disappointed and resigned to their fate, unsure if they would stay in the championship.

• McCormick: Started the day at even par and ended with a score of 77.
• Nicholas: Began at 1-under, but finished with a 78.

Post-Round Reactions

• McCormick, visibly upset after missing his birdie, slumped over his putter in disbelief.
• Nicholas expressed frustration, stating, “I knew that putt was to be for-sure in.”

In an unexpected twist, the cut line moved to 7-over, mirroring their scores after several groups finished due to darkness.

Pivotal Holes and Challenges

Both golfers faced their own unique struggles throughout the round:

• James Nicholas: Suffered a quadruple-bogey 8 on the 4th hole, which turned his round upside down.
• Ryan McCormick: Encountered difficulty on the 17th hole, ending up in heavy rough that resulted in a double-bogey.

“That’s a tough shot. You’ve got the ball below your feet. I just didn’t know any other way to get it on the green,” McCormick reflected.

Nicholas light-heartedly remarked that he “got Oakmonted,” acknowledging the difficult nature of the course.

Resilience on the Back Nine

Despite rough starts on the front nine, both players found ways to fight back. Nicholas notably improved, tallying birdies on Nos. 12, 13, 14, and 17.

“This place will get you,” he said. “It’s a tough test, but it’s a fair test. It’s not unfair. It’s not silly.”

Nicholas’s excitement was evident, stating, “I’m living the dream,” as he reflected on the significance of playing in the U.S. Open.

A Magical Week for Nicholas

In addition to his golfing journey, Nicholas had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Pirates game earlier in the week. He humorously recounted his surprise, noting, “I was like, ‘You sure you got the right number?’”

Other Local Stars Shine

Max Greyserman from Short Hills, N.J., also made a strong showing, carding a 3-under 67 for the day and standing at 3-over for the tournament.

Other Notable Performers:

• Cameron Young: Battled through a 4-over 74, currently standing at 4-over for the championship.

Young’s father, David, remarked, “I’m exhausted from watching it,” after his son hit just one of 14 fairways.

Conclusion

As the U.S. Open continues, the local talent showcased resilience and determination on the challenging course at Oakmont. With the cut line shifting and competitors adapting to the course, fans and players alike eagerly await the next stages of this prestigious tournament.

For more updates and stats, refer to the U.S. Open official website and stay tuned for the latest in golf news!