A Gut-Wrenching Disqualification: The UPS Driver's U.S. Open Dream Shattered
Unforeseen Slip-Up Leads to Disqualification: UPS Driver Fails to Focus at US Open Qualifying, Inflicting Emotional Setback
If Nick Barrett from Catonsville, Maryland had nailed his shots at Oakmont Country Club for the US Open, his tale would have been one of the feel-good stories of the year. Alas, it's a 'What If?' situation for the 31-year-old UPS driver.
Facing Final Qualifying, Barrett, a steadfast amateur golfer, came close but ultimately fell short. This wasn't his first rodeo - in 2023, he made it to the Final Qualifying stage for the US Open, only to fall short over 36 holes. The Catonsville native also advanced to the Round of 32 at last year's US Mid-Amateur[1].
His journey at Woodmont Country Club's North Course seemed promising as he fought hard and finished the first round with a 73 (+2), a score he would have ideally trimmed in the second round. With about 40-50 people cheering him on, he made a birdie at the 18th, recovering from four bogeys in fives holes on the back nine. Overjoyed, he high-fived his dad and went off to grab a bite[2].
However, his dream of playing in a US Open took a nosedive when, approximately 20 minutes after his final putt dropped, Barrett had a gut-wrenching realization. Forgetting his responsibility, he left his signed scorecard in his back pocket while getting a bite to eat. His distressing moment of realization came when he stood up after eating and felt the scorecard in his pocket. He quickly dashed back to the scorer's tent, only to learn he had been disqualified[3].
The USGA officials and his playing partners were unaware of Barrett's whereabouts, and as they waited for as long as they could, the unfortunate group behind arrived, and the disqualification decision was made. Even though he and his caddie pleaded their case, the scoring officials had no recourse[1][4].
Barrett accepts full responsibility for his mistake, expressing his disappointment in himself. "It's really upsetting to go out like that because it wasn't anything I did on the course or because I signed something wrong. I just got caught up in the moment," he said[3].
Although his chances of making it to Oakmont were slim after a 73, it wasn't impossible for Barrett to take one of the three remaining automatic spots or potentially an alternate place[4]. He asks others to learn from his experience and not repeat his mistake.
Sources:
- Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
- Monday Q Info's Ryan French
- The Baltimore Sun's Edward Lee
- Enrichment Data – Overall
Despite Barrett's passion for golf, a devastating oversight led to his disqualification from the US Open Qualifying. In the heat of the moment, the UPS driver forgot his signed scorecard in his back pocket at the restaurant, resulting in his disqualification.
