www.islandstats.com first broke the story that Jarryd Dillas had qualified for the final round of qualifications for the 2010 US Open, that saw other local media then report, today we bring you answers to just a few questions we put the Dillas after his accomplishment.
Q. Was it a difficult course?
A. Metacomet CC is a typical Donald Ross design where the greens are the course’s main defense. They were fast and undulating, which made putting difficult and required that you be very precise with your approach shots and leave the ball in the right areas of the greens.
Q. What was the field like?
A. The field was made up of 54 players, professionals and amateurs alike, playing for 3 qualifying spots and 2 alternates. There were a number of highly regarded New England players in the field, so I feel very fortunate to have come through such a competitive site.
Q. Did you feel coming into the tournament that you could make the next stage?
A To be completely honest, I had no expectations at all coming into the week. My only focus was playing a solid round and posting a good score, which would hopefully put me in with a chance. When I holed out on 18 I thought I probably needed to be 1 or 2 shots lower, but thankfully 69 held up and I’m on to the next stage.
Q. What do you think has changed your mind set as you approach your game?
A. I’ve had some very good results since last summer, both locally and internationally, so I’m more confident in my abilities now than ever before. I’m maturing as a player and learning a lot about how I react to different situations on the golf course. I find that I’m more patient now and simply allow things to happen, as opposed to trying so hard to make things go my way on the course.
Q. What was the plan going into this event?
A. After playing the practice round on Monday, my only thought was making sure I left the ball under the hole during Tuesday’s qualifying round. Even if it meant missing the green, my sole focus was leaving myself the best “next shot” I could. Despite some wayward driving on the back nine, I rarely got out of position around the greens and I rode a hot putter to a good score.
Q. When you realized you had advanced to the next round and what was your reaction?
A. It was an incredible feeling. Again, having no expectations heading into the event, I was blown away by what I was able to achieve and excited for the opportunity that lies ahead of me. I’m now focusing on improving those areas of my game that need the most work, in order to give myself the best possible chance of success when I tee it up next month in Georgia.
Q. What is next for you?
A.I’m a new member of the Mid Ocean Club, so my next tournament is the Club Championship this weekend. After that, I’ve got a few weeks off before travelling to Roswell, GA for the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying.
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