OAKMONT, Pa. — If you’re looking for a lesser-known player for whom to root at this week’s U.S. Open, Chase Johnson isn’t a bad option.
Johnson, who competes on the Advocates Professional Golf Association, a circuit that provides opportunities for minority players, got into the field as the last of the 156 in it.
He was involved in a five-for-one playoff for the last spot at the Columbus, Ohio, final qualifier, but ended up as the first alternate — ahead of PGA Tour winners Eric Cole, Max Homa and Rickie Fowler.
He got into the field when Bud Cauley became fully exempt via the Top 60 in the Official World Golf Ranking as of June 9.
Cauley was one of the six qualifiers in Columbus.
With Tiger Woods his idol growing up, it’s not lost on Johnson that he’s the only black player in the field this week.
“That’s one of the missions of the APGA Tour, which is great,’’ Johnson said. “I was able to kind of rebuild my platform a little bit out there on that tour starting in 2023, after I lost my Korn Ferry Tour card. Guys are getting great out there, and Willie Mack [another APGA player] played in the Open last year and qualified.
“It’s just a matter of time. Like all these Pathway guys, like their version of PGA TOUR U, is developing some really strong players. We’re going to keep on working on it, but hopefully I can continue to build my platform and build that platform for other players to just continue to grow the game.’’
Johnson wasn’t daunted at playing against established PGA Tour players in the qualifier because he’s played against these players since he was a youth.
“I definitely was the underdog in the playoff, but I didn’t feel it like that way at all,’’ he said. “We all played together on Korn Ferry for two years. Then being on the Cobra Puma team, I’ve gotten to know Rickie to a certain extent over the last couple years, and then did an event for Tiger’s Jr. Invitational last fall with Max. So. there was some familiarity with all the players.”
Johnson noted he’s even competed against world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
“Scottie and I are the same age, and I’ve been playing against him since we were juniors,’’ he said. “Obviously, he’s figured something out a lot quicker than I did. But eventually I’ll get to the point that I want to be at.’’