U.S. Open qualifier stuns golf world with astonishing admission after securing spot at Shinnecock

Chase Kyes secured his place in the 2026 U.S. Open on Monday, but it was what he said moments after qualifying that left golf fans and analysts utterly speechless.

The University of Tennessee freshman revealed he had no idea the U.S. Open was taking place next week.

Kyes earned one of 43 spots available through final qualifying on "Golf's Longest Day", producing rounds of 67 and 66 at Hawks Ridge Golf Club to finish 11-under-par and book his place at Shinnecock Hills.

Speaking to Golf Channel's Ryan Lavner after his impressive performance, Kyes was informed that the year's third major championship begins next Thursday.

His response caught many by surprise.

"I didn't know it was next week," admitted Kyes, who birdied the final hole to earn one of five spots in the U.S. Open via the qualifier at Hawks Ridge GC in Georgia.

The Alabama native quickly followed up his admission by adding: "I'm just pumped to see it. It's gonna be awesome."

While Kyes' focus had clearly been on earning a place in the field rather than planning for it, his comments immediately generated a reaction across the golf world.

Golfweek senior reporter Adam Schupak could scarcely believe what he had heard, posting on X: "Mind blown. How do you not even know when the championship you're attempting to qualify for is being contested? Oh to be young again!"

Kyes was among 713 professional and amateur golfers who competed across 10 qualifying venues in North America on Monday in a bid to reach the U.S. Open.

The U.S. Open is known for offering golfers outside the game's elite the opportunity to earn their place alongside the world's best, with final qualifying requiring competitors to play 36 holes in a single day.

Kyes rose to the occasion in Georgia, finishing one shot clear of the two alternates courtesy of a birdie on the last hole. 

The highly-rated freshman arrived at Tennessee as the top-ranked player in the Class of 2025 and enjoyed an impressive debut season with the Volunteers. 

Earlier this month, he finished tied for 49th at the NCAA Championship in California.

Now, after surviving one of golf's toughest qualifying tests, Kyes will head to Shinnecock Hills for his major championship debut.

And thanks to a timely reminder from Lavner, he'll know exactly how soon it starts.