He’s got local ties and industry connections, but Peter Uihlein is flying solo in his first U.S. Open.
“I never really know who’s going to be out,” Uihlein said. “I give my tickets to my mom.”
The 21-year-old Oklahoma State junior and reigning U.S. Amateur champion is the grandson of the late Tony Marlowe, who was the resident pro for nearly 30 years at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, where Peter’s mother, Tina, was raised.
Peter Uihlein’s father, Wally, is the chief executive officer and chairman of Acushnet Company, which owns Titleist and Footjoy among multiple golf brands.
But after his first crack at Congressional Country Club on Monday, the younger Uihlein said he was nervous.
“No, [majors are] still all new,” said Uihlein, who played at the Masters in April. “This is my second major, fourth Tour event. I still get nervous in college, so I think no matter what the setting is, I’ll still be a little bit more nervous.”
On Monday, Uihlein looked comfortable when talking about the specifics of his game, but he maintained his upbringing didn’t afford him any technological advantages.
“I don’t know much about equipment or anything like that,” Uihlein said. “I’ve stayed away from all that with my dad. I’ve never really asked him questions or anything like that. He’s always been my dad, and that’s how I viewed it.”
