Persistence pays off as Smith qualifies for U.S. Open

PURCHASE, N.Y. – It is worth asking what keeps a pro golfer going for nine years, making little money, sharing three-to-a-room hotel accommodations, without ever getting into a PGA Tour event.

“I guess,” Jesse Smith said, “it’s days like today.”

Smith, 33, the son of a late pro hockey player who came from Six Nations Reserve community outside Toronto, had the day of his life Monday, shooting 4 under par through 36 holes to qualify for the U.S. Open.

Three others qualified Monday. Geoffrey Sisk qualified for a seventh time, also at 4 under, on the Century and Old Oaks Country Club layouts. Gavin Hall, an 18-year-old amateur from upstate Pittsford, N.Y., birdied his final four holes to make it at 4 under. Jim Herman qualified at 3 under.

“I don’t know if it’s really set in yet. It’s a dream come true,” said Smith, who grew up in New Hampshire.

His father, Guy, played forward for the original New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association. Jesse was 16 when his father died and, to help fill the void, took up golf. He was struggling so much two years ago that he reached out to tour player Notah Begay, who shares a Native North American heritage with Smith.

“I prepared for about a week what I was going to say on his voice mail. And he answered the phone and I was in shock. I didn’t know what to say. But he couldn’t have been nicer,” Smith said, adding he benefited from that encouragement. “Golf is such a great game, there’s an equal opportunity. If you play well, you can earn your way. It’s all up to you.”