13-year-old golf prodigy vying to become youngest U.S. Open qualifier ever

Jaden Soong hopes to become a household name in the near future. The 13-year-old golfer is attempting to become the youngest person to ever qualify for the U.S. Open.

On May 15, Soong made a 12-foot putt in a playoff to become the youngest golfer to advance to the second stage of U.S. Open qualifying. Now, he’s hoping to get into the 2023 tournament with a strong showing at Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles.

Some of us have been playing twice as long as Soong’s age and we still can’t qualify for our local club’s tournament. Not that we’re jealous or anything.

While most 13-year-olds might be intimidated by this type of stage, Soong appears pretty comfortable in the spotlight. And he’s hoping to turn some heads on Monday.

“I’m expecting some people to be a little shocked and surprised,” Soong told USA TODAY Sports.

The U.S. Open qualifying day — known as “the longest day in golf” — consists of 36 holes. If Soong makes it through, he’ll become the youngest player ever to participate in the prestigious major championship.

The record is currently owned by Andy Zhang, who participate in the 2012 U.S. Open at the age of 14.

Viktor Hovland caddies for friend at U.S. Open qualifier

There are definitely some cool stories surrounding this year’s U.S. Open. Jaden Soong’s attempt to become the youngest qualifier in the tournament’s history probably takes the top prize. But not far behind is Viktor Hovland’s willingness to help out a friend.

Hovland just secured a big victory at the Memorial Tournament on Sunday, winning $3.6 million in the process. So, you might think he might take a few days off to celebrate.

Nope.

Instead, Hovland made the short drive from Dublin, Ohio to Columbus to caddie for his friend and former Oklahoma State teammate Zach Bauchou.

On Monday, Bauchou competed in the 36-hole qualifying day in Columbus. So, because Hovland was so close, he decided to stick around and carry the bag for his former Cowboys teammate.

The two played at Oklahoma State in 2018, helping lead the team to an NCAA title.

The qualifying tournament is a 36-hole event, meaning Hovland would’ve played or caddied for 109 holes (because the Memorial Tournament went into a playoff) in just five days.

Bauchou has participated in five PGA Tour events. Hovland, one of the Tour’s biggest stars, is still searching for his first major championship victory.