N.j.'s Pat Wilson Qualifies For U.S. Open With Lee Janzen
While two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen was showered with accolades for qualifying for the 2015 U.S. Open as medalist at the Open qualifier at Old Oaks and Century clubs in Purchase, N.Y., New Jersey’s Pat Wilson of Panther Valley was one of three others who also punched a ticket to the main event there.
The U.S. Open takes place beginning June 18 at Chambers Bay in Washington State. Janzen, Wilson, Jamie Lovemark and Rich Berberian all qualifed at the site.
Wilson, 24, the former St. John's golfer qualified for the first time, finishing at 1 under for 37 holes. "I can't even think straight right now. It's kind of overwhelming. It will probably sink in a little bit later," Wilson said, admitting he was a bit surprised to learn the Open is next week.
He had not dared to think about it too much. "Look at how many good players are here. It's a good thing to have to change my plans because this was my goal for the summer," he said, having been joined as a qualifier by tour player Lovemark (2 under) and New Hampshire club pro Berberian Jr. (1 under).
In 2013, Wilson, 23, a resident of Andover, defeated Trevor Randolph of Arcola, 8 and 7, in the 36-hole final to win the 111th Met Amateur at the Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Conn.
“I had been close so many times,” said Wilson, who was runner-up at the State Amateur in 2010, and third and fifth in other attempts; runner-up in the Arcola Cup in 2012, seventh at the State Open and sixth and seventh at The Ike.
He turned pro in 2014 and has played the mini-tour circuit, including the PGA Tour Latin America and PGA Tour Canada.
He was named NJSGA Player of the Year for 2013.
“It was my putting and my belief in myself that carried me,” said Wilson, who placed seventh in both the State Amateur and in the 93rd State Open, and was also seventh in the Ike Championship in 2013.
He teamed with his brother Cory, a sophomore at Seton Hall University, for a semifinal finish in the Four-Ball Championship that year.
Pat Wilson also captained the NJSGA Stoddard Trophy team and led it to victory over Long Island and Westchester. The Stoddard match was played at Stanwich in Connecticut, the same course where Wilson won the Met Amateur.
“We’ll see how playing year round will affect me. It’s been a dream of mine to pursue golf as a career. I don’t know where this will take me, but it will be interesting to find out,” he added.
Wilson stated he will relish Player of the Year honors.
“It just goes to show that all my hard work has paid off. Winning a title over the course of a year is impressive because you need to be a consistent player. Consistency is exactly what you need to be a good professional golfer.
“Playing consistent golf is something I’ve always wanted to do and now I’m proving I can do it.”
Janzen won the U.S. Open in 1993 at Baltusrol and in 1998 at Olympic Club. After his 10-year exemption expired, he never made it through a qualifier. He was disqualified two years ago for wearing metal spikes at a course that doesn't allow them. At the New York sectional, Janzen shot 69-68 to earn one of four spots. The other qualifiers were Jamie Lovemark, Pat Wilson and Rich Berberian Jr.
That sets up Janzen for three straight weeks of majors — a Champions Tour major in Boston this week, the U.S. Open, and the U.S. Senior Open.
