Amateur Golfer Justin Hastings Prepares for Upcoming US Open

Augusta, Georgia — Amateur golfer Justin Hastings, 21, is gearing up for the US Open at Oakmont Country Club this weekend after making a memorable debut at the Masters tournament in April. The San Diego State University student secured his spot in the tournament by winning an earlier event at Pilar Golf Club in Argentina.

At the Masters, Hastings was one of five amateurs invited to compete. He finished the tournament just two strokes shy of making the cut, shooting 76 in the first round and 72 in the second. Hastings expressed that the experience taught him valuable lessons, boosting his confidence as he approaches the US Open.

“I learned so much at the Masters, especially how to manage nerves,” Hastings said. “You just need to focus on your own game and control what you can control.”

Hastings, who has been playing golf since he was eight, shared that he used to pretend to be sick so he could stay home from school and watch the Masters. He described that week as significant, noting the emotional journey he experienced driving down Magnolia Lane.

“It was surreal. My nerves were something I had never felt on a golf course before,” Hastings recalled. “But that was part of what made it such a special event.”

During tournament week, he expressed gratitude for the support and respect shown to him as an amateur. “They made me feel like royalty,” he said, referring to Augusta National’s hospitality.

Looking ahead to the US Open, Hastings believes his experience at the Masters will help him perform even better. He recently traveled to Oakmont to practice and familiarize himself with the course. “I’m excited to prove I can compete on such a difficult course,” he stated.

As he prepares for this major championship, Hastings is focused on enjoying the competition and believes he has what it takes to succeed among the sport’s best. “I’m full of confidence and not ruling anything out,” he added.