A Very Special Father’s Day at The 123rd U.S. Open

Sunday’s Final Round of the U.S Open from Los Angeles Country Club will be contested on Father’s Day. While this isn’t the 1st occurrence of the clash of dates, this edition of the U.S. Open may provide an extra bit of emotion for a couple of players in the field in LA.

Earlier this season, Jason Day broke a 5-year PGA title drought at the Byron Nelson on Mother’s Day and was quite emotional in the process after losing his mother in March 2022 from lung cancer. Sometimes, the golf gods are moral.

Will history repeat itself at the U.S. Open this weekend?

Bryson DeChambeau’s father, Jon, passed away in November 2022 from a battle with kidney disease. Jon was a golf teaching pro in Fresno, California. Jon was the person who introduced Bryson to the great game of golf.

In 2016, as the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, Bryson played in his first Masters tournament.

Jon was able to attend despite undergoing hemodialysis between each round. Jon got to watch his son win 8 times on the PGA Tour, including Bryson’s conquering of Winged Foot en route to his 2020 U.S Open win. RIP Jon DeChambeau, we know you’re still watching.

Sam Bennett’s father, Mark, passed away in 2021 at the age of 53 due to early-onset Alzheimer’s. Sam, the 2022 U.S. Amateur champ, is one of the most exciting prospects in the sport.

The young man drew attention from golf fans after opening this past Masters Tournament with back-to-back 68s to vault into 2nd place after 36 holes.

Sam has the last words his father Mark wrote before passing tattooed on his left forearm; “Don’t wait to do something.” Sam sees this message before every swing he takes.

Maybe this weekend, the young Aggie will make it an incredibly special Father’s Day. RIP Mark Bennett, you are your sons’ inspiration.