Philip Barbaree Jr. Gets Emotional U.S. Open Milestone Amid Tough Conditions

OAKMONT, Pa. — Philip Barbaree Jr., a 27-year-old professional golfer from Shreveport, Louisiana, made a pivotal putt Saturday morning at the U.S. Open, which marked a significant moment in his career. Barbaree’s effort not only allowed him to make the cut but also showcased his determination to succeed on a challenging course.

After Friday’s play was suspended, Barbaree ended the second round at six over par. He faced pressure as a bogey loomed on the demanding 8th hole. When play resumed at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Barbaree found himself needing to par the par-4 9th hole to secure his spot for the weekend. Earlier in the tournament, that hole had recorded a stroke average of 4.54, making it the second-toughest on the course.

Barbaree, who previously missed the cut in his only other U.S. Open appearance in 2018, felt the weight of the moment. Discovering the cutline number through social media, he shared with his wife and caddie, Chloe, that the challenge had just intensified. ‘I know where I stand, and now it just got a lot harder, so help me deal with it,’ he said.

Chloe joined Barbaree as caddie after a successful trial run. Their bond deepened beyond the golf course, with Barbaree acknowledging her support as vital to his performance. ‘She thinks that I bring a different perspective since I don’t have a golf background,’ Chloe explained. ‘I see things that maybe others wouldn’t see and point it out to him.’

As the sun rose over Oakmont, Barbaree achieved his task, managing to par the 9th hole with a notable four—making perhaps the biggest cut of his life. After sinking a crucial five-foot putt, he celebrated exuberantly, a moment captured by the supportive crowd around the green.

‘That’s what you practice for, that’s what you care about,’ Barbaree said later, reflecting on the emotional release of the moment. ‘It was really special to pull off a shot like that when it matters, and then with her on the bag.’

Following this emotional event, Barbaree had to quickly switch gears, teeing off shortly after at 9:12 a.m. He would go on to shoot a round of 75, placing him at 14 over par by the end of the day, trailing the leader by 18 strokes. Nevertheless, despite the score, Barbaree and Chloe celebrated their shared journey and the milestone they achieved together on the grand stage of golf.