New York native @JamesNicholasGolf hit Thursday’s opening tee shot at the @USOpenGolf at Shinnecock Hills, but it was far from ceremonial.
Nicholas took the early lead with two birdies in his first six holes, and he steadied the ship after a missed 1-foot bogey putt at the seventh hole to sign for a 1-over 71, just three strokes back of early leader Sam Stevens.
Nicholas competed on the @KornFerryTour last week in Amarillo, Texas, before an adventurous trip to Long Island that included a 4-hour evening drive from Amarillo to Albuquerque.
Nicholas, who played collegiate football at Yale before turning his full-time attention to golf, was greeted by numerous fans and family members after signing his card Thursday.
One fan who wasn’t on-site but followed along: former @NYJets quarterback Joe Namath, whose Jets team physician was Nicholas’ grandpa. The elder Nicholas performed four knee operations that prolonged Namath’s career.
After a strong start at Shinnecock, Nicholas could have a prolonged stay at the U.S. Open as well.
New York native @JamesNicholasGolf hit Thursday’s opening tee shot at the @USOpenGolf at Shinnecock Hills, but it was far from ceremonial.
Nicholas took the early lead with two birdies in his first six holes, and he steadied the ship after a missed 1-foot bogey putt at the seventh hole to sign for a 1-over 71, just three strokes back of early leader Sam Stevens.
Nicholas competed on the @KornFerryTour last week in Amarillo, Texas, before an adventurous trip to Long Island that included a 4-hour evening drive from Amarillo to Albuquerque.
Nicholas, who played collegiate football at Yale before turning his full-time attention to golf, was greeted by numerous fans and family members after signing his card Thursday.
One fan who wasn’t on-site but followed along: former @NYJets quarterback Joe Namath, whose Jets team physician was Nicholas’ grandpa. The elder Nicholas performed four knee operations that prolonged Namath’s career.
After a strong start at Shinnecock, Nicholas could have a prolonged stay at the U.S. Open as well.
