Sports
Persistence Pays Off: John Chin Qualifies for First Major at U.S. Open
John Chin‘s long-awaited major championship debut is set for the upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, marking a significant milestone in his 14-year professional golf career.
The emotional moment was captured during an interview with Golf Channel‘s Kira K. Dixon following Chin’s successful qualification from the Daly City event at Lake Merced. Alongside him, three other qualifiers, David Puig, Omar Morales, and the experienced Charlie Reiter, secured their spots for the U.S. Open.
A journeyman in the golfing world, Chin’s ranking of 4,410 reflects his persistence and determination despite facing challenges. His first major appearance comes after years of grinding on mini-tours and state events.
Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, Chin’s golfing journey began in Columbia, South Carolina, where he trained extensively with his father and received guidance from notable figures like George Bryan III. Following a move to Temecula, California, his talent caught the attention of UC Irvine‘s head coach, Paul Smolinski.
At UC Irvine, Chin excelled, winning multiple titles and earning recognition as a first-team All-American. His standout performances included leading the nation in scoring average, a notable achievement in his collegiate career.
Despite early success, Chin’s transition to the PGA Tour was challenging, with limited opportunities and struggles to maintain consistent results. However, a recent surge of form, including victories in mini-tour events, culminated in his breakthrough qualification for the U.S. Open.
Supported by friends and sponsors such as Callaway Golf and Short Par 4, Chin is gearing up for a memorable experience at Pinehurst. His journey exemplifies dedication and perseverance in the competitive world of professional golf.