Before the stars took to the course, amateur golfer Michael Brennan delivered a shot that will be hard to top this weekend on the Par 4 third hole.
BANG!
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 15, 2023
Michael Brennan of @WakeMGolf with the shot of the day so far! #USOpen pic.twitter.com/gCc3DQyMwj
Brennan hit the high-arcing shot from the rough, landing it on the edge of the green and allowing it to roll several feet into the hole for a birdie. A junior at Wake Forest, Brennan already has several accolades to his name, including being named All-ACC in 2021 and 2022. He was also a member of the Arnold Palmer Cup Team USA in 2022 and appeared on the Ben Hogan Award Watch List the same year.
He has two collegiate wins this year, the Southwest Invitational from Jan. 30 through Feb. 1 and the ACC Men's Golf Championship in April.
Believe it or not, a remarkable birdie during the opening round is common practice for Brennan.
He qualified for the U.S. Open on Jun. 5 thanks in large part to a ridiculous shot he made on a ball from an impossible position in the bunker.
This guy got into the U.S Open from here.
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) June 6, 2023
Unreal. pic.twitter.com/Nfl3PdjgNv
@WakeMGolf's Michael Brennan just pulled off this incredible up-and-down to secure his spot at LACC! pic.twitter.com/pYXZ7z9QVe
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 6, 2023
Brennan isn't the only amateur making waves early on at the U.S. Open. Omar Morales, a sophomore at UCLA, leads at the tournament at three-under through nine holes.
Unfortunately, after his impressive make, Brennan began to fade. Through eight holes, Brennan is tied for 60th at two-over par. He'll need to show off some more magic to get into contention. That said, for an introduction to a large audience, he certainly left a mark.
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