Mark Waskewich got a sinking feeling when he walked to the practice tee the morning of June 4th at Woodmont Country Club and noticed Fred Funk hitting iron shots so precisely, “you could throw a blanket over them.”
Waskewich, a recreational player from Laytonsville, found himself in competition with Funk and several other PGA Tour players at the U.S. Open Sectionals. In a field of 65, Waskewich, 22, was fighting for one of five available slots for the Open, which starts today at Oakmont, Pa.
For a relative novice, with no high school or college golf experience, it was daunting stuff.
“It was pretty cool getting to play in something like that,” said Waskewich. “When it actually came time to tee it up, it was more than a little nerve wracking. I was definitely feeling butterflies.”
And it showed on the first tee as Waskewich pushed his drive into the trees. It took a while for the butterflies to retreat as Waskewich played the first nine holes in 8-over on his way to an 82-75 — 157, the third worst score in the field.
As a non-qualifier, however, Waskewich was in good company. While Funk (68-71 — 139) earned a berth, fellow PGA Tour vet Brad Faxon (72-69 — 141) failed by one stroke.
“Friends and relatives told me there was no pressure. They said, ‘No one is expecting you to qualify,’” said Waskewich. “But I was disappointed. I didn’t play to my capabilities. Still, it was a fantastic experience.”
Part of the allure of the U.S. Open is that anyone with a handicap index of 1.4 or better is eligible. In part because the first stage of local qualifying was held at his home course, Norbeck Country Club, Waskewich decided to give it a shot. In a field of 102 players, he fired a 2-under-par 69 to tie for medalist honors and earn a spot in the Sectionals.
It was uncharted territory for Waskewich. At Georgetown Prep, his spring sport of choice was baseball. He played golf only a few months each summer. At Richmond University, he wanted to try out for the golf team, but was told walk-ons were not welcome.
For now, Waskewich is committed to his job as a futures trader. He plays weekends and some afternoons after the stock market’s 4 p.m. close. Each spring, however, U.S. Open qualifying will be an annual rite. And someday, who knows?
“To play in the U.S. Open would be dream of a lifetime,” said Waskewich. “I know it’s a long shot. But at least next time I get to Sectionals, I’ll know what to expect.”
U.S. OPEN QUALIFYING
» U.S. Open qualifying consists of two stages of qualifying — local (18 holes) and sectional (36 holes).
» This year there were 110 local qualifying sites.
» International qualifying sites were added in 2005. That year Michael Campbell emerged from a qualifier in England to win the title
