New York native James Nicholas hit Thursday's opening tee shot at the U.S. Open 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 Korn Ferry Tour 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 New York Jets 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 James Nicholas hit Thursday's opening tee shot at the U.S. Open 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 Korn Ferry Tour 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 New York Jets 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.
