“Alternate.”

When you think of that word, you really don’t think you have a chance. You haven’t been picked. You’re just waiting for your turn.

Well, Monday Brandt Snedeker withdrew from the U.S. Open which begins on Thursday. Fourteen year old Andy Zhang of Florida moved up one spot on the alternate list.

Still waiting in the wings but one step closer.

Monday evening, Paul Casey withdrew with an injury and all of a sudden the ”alternate” in front of his name was swapped with “participant”.

Zhang will be the youngest player to ever play in the U.S. Open when he tees of on Thursday. He just finished 8th grade and attends the prestigious IMG Leadbetter Academy. Leadbetter as in the famous golf coach, David Leadbetter.

Last week he lost in a playoff at a U.S. Open Qualifier in Florida after shooting rounds of 70-72.

Good luck, Andy!

This years U.S. Open will be played at the Olympic Club in California. It is the second  major of the year and #2 player in the world, Rory McIlroy, will be looking to defend his title.