SAUGERTIES, N.Y. — Swan Country Club head professional Andrew DeForest will have a chance to qualify for the U.S. Open when he competes in what is called “Golf’s Longest Day” on Monday, June 8 at two prestigious Westchester County golf clubs.
DeForest, 34, made it through to the final stage of U.S. Open qualifying by shooting an even-par 71 at Shaker Ridge Country Club in Colonie in a local qualifier on May 18 to advance to Monday’s 36-hole grind at the Century Country Club and the Golf Club of Purchase in Purchase, New York.
A field of 79 players will be vying for an undetermined number of spots at the Westchester County qualifying for the 126th U.S. Open at the historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island on June 18-21.
DeForest last advanced to the final stage of qualifying for the U.S. Open 11 years ago, but failed to qualify for one of golf’s four majors. He is hoping to join two other members of the DeForest family who have made it to the U.S. Open.
His father, John, played in the 1984 U.S. Open at Winged Foot Golf Club and older brother, Chris, competed at the 2011 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.
John DeForest, who has been helping his son out at The Swan Country Club pro shop, also competed in the 1994 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club and the 1996 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
In an interview with the Freeman prior to the Ulster County Men’s Amateur Golf Championship (The Herdegen) qualifier at his club on Saturday, June 6, DeForest said he’s hopeful he can play well in the 36-hole test to grab a U.S. Open spot.
“I played well at Shaker Ridge,” DeForest said of his even-par 71 that left him in a tie for third. “I’ve been getting out to play here and there. I’m just really excited to be a part of it (U.S. Open qualifier). It’s just a fun thing to be a part of. It’s a differently run event than what we’ve been used to playing in. It’s 36 holes and essentially everyone has a shot.”
DeForest said he was able to play practice rounds at both qualifying sites in Westchester County. The Golf Club of Purchase is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course that opened in 1996. Century Country Club was designed by noted British golf architects H.S. Colt and C.H. Alison in 1926.
“I got down for some practice rounds and they went well,” DeForest said. “My game feels good. I like to think as my life gets busier I put less pressure on golf, which is probably a good thing. I think I shoot better scores because of it. My game is in good shape, so I totally anticipate putting on a good showing.”
DeForest is a three-time winner of the YMCA/Wiltwyck Pro-Am and shot an 11-under-par 59 at his home course two years ago.