Gerald Narciso:
Brian Campbell did not have a Wikipedia page as of Friday night, but the amateur is making a name for himself at the U.S. Open.
On Thursday, Campbell shot a three-under 67, including seven birdies, finishing two strokes behind the leaders.
“I just wanted to treat it like any other tournament, not really think too much of it being the U.S. Open,” Campbell, 22, said.
Campbell
competed in last year’s Open at Pinehurst, missing the cut by one
stroke. He recently graduated from the University of Illinois, where he
was an all-American. Athleticism runs in the family. His father, Don, a
native of Quebec, played professional hockey in Europe. His brother
Derek was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014.
“It’s
been pretty surreal, actually,” said Campbell’s father. “But he plays
well, and he likes tough courses, so we’re not overly surprised.”
Campbell
continued his strong play Friday morning. After back-to-back birdies on
the second and third holes, including a spectacular 23-foot putt on No.
3, his gallery grew to 100 from his 10 family members and friends. At
one point, Campbell was five under par, but he then struggled to a 72
and was one under for the tournament.
Though
some of the marquee names on the tour have corporate logos on their
clothes and equipment, Campbell was using a slightly haggard
orange-and-blue Fighting Illini golf bag.
The last amateur to win the U.S. Open was John Goodman in 1933.
“I’m just trying to stay focused on what I am doing. I mean there’s a lot of golf left to play,” Campbell said.
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