Caddie-turned-dentist Vogt misfires opening tee shot at U.S. Open Print

Matt Vogt had one chance to make a first impression. The caddie-turned-dentist took the opening tee shot of Thursday’s U.S. Open at the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania and blasted it into the rough. 

The amateur qualifier’s tee shot landed 60 yards off the fairway, but he still made par on the first hole. 

Vogt, who used to caddie at Oakmont as a Pittsburgh-area native, is one of 15 amateurs competing in this year’s U.S. Open, which lets anyone compete if he performs well enough in a series of local competitions. 

But the 34-year-old Vogt isn’t quitting his day job. He told reporters this week that his dental practice is still thriving. 

“I feel like there’s so many people behind me this week,” said Vogt, a native of western Pennsylvania. “Oakmont, Pittsburgh, dentistry.”

Vogt told reporters that his priorities have been clear since he left his golf team at Indiana’s Butler University to focus on his academics. But the sport has never been far away, as he competed in amateur events and long-drive competitions. 

The feel-good story of the tournament will have eyes on him throughout the event. He’s embracing that role.

“I think this weekend is going to be full of gratitude,” he told The Associated Press. “And hopefully some good golf, too.”