Cheboygan's Maybank takes first at U.S. Open local qualifier
MUSKEGON – Going back to his days as a young golfer, PJ Maybank III envisioned himself one day playing in the biggest tournaments in the world.
Among those tournaments – the United States Open, one of the toughest tests in golf.
On Monday, the 18-year-old amateur from Cheboygan inched one step closer to making that dream a reality.
Battling some nasty weather conditions, Maybank fired a two-under par 70 and finished first in a local U.S. Open qualifier held at Muskegon Country Club.
“I’m super excited to make it to sectionals,” said Maybank. “I’ve now got a chance to play in the U.S. Open. I’ve always wanted to play in the biggest tournaments and major championships since I was a little kid, so I’m super excited.
“I always thought that if I continued down the path I was on, I could get to that level.”
On a cold day that featured rain and winds up to 30 miles per hour, Maybank grinded his way to the only under-par score of the day, finishing two shots in front of Portage amateur William Anderson, who took second with an even-par 72. Maybank’s solid round consisted of four birdies and just two bogeys.
“I feel like patience is key when the weather’s tough, because you’re just not going to hit it quite as good as you would if it’s a perfect day out,” Maybank said. “I thought I scrambled really nice, and I feel like that’s the key to playing good in some really tough weather. Your expectations change a little bit (when the weather is like that). If it’s a perfect day, you’ve got to go pretty low to qualify, but your mentality kind of changes a little bit, trying to make pars, stay patient and let the birdies come to you.”
The victory sends Maybank to Ohio, where hell compete in a U.S. Open sectional qualifier in either Columbus or Springfield. If he plays well enough, he’ll qualify for this year’s Open, which will be played at Los Angeles Country Club (Calif.) on Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18.
Maybank, who turned 18 just last week, knows he’ll need to be at his best and perhaps a little bit more to qualify.
“Sectionals are obviously all the guys who qualify from the locals, but a lot of (PGA Tour) pros play in them that aren't already exempt in the U.S. Open, so you obviously have to play really good,” Maybank said. “It depends on the weather how low you have to shoot, but I feel like if I stick to my game and grind it out, I feel like I have a good chance.”
No matter what happens, the future University of Oklahoma Sooner knows the experience of playing in the qualifier will be invaluable as his college career approaches.
“It’ll be a great experience whether I qualify or not,” Maybank said. “I’m sure I’ll get paired with some great players and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot.”
Maybank is scheduled to compete in the Michigan Medal Play event at Detroit Golf Club, May 11-13.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Cheboygan's Maybank takes first at U.S. Open local qualifier
