June 15, 2009

KENNESAW, Ga. - The biggest week of Matt Nagy's life began on Sunday afternoon more than one thousand miles from Georgia. The 20-year old rising junior is on Long Island preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime, playing in the 2009 U.S. Open, which begins on Thursday afternoon.

Nagy, who has enjoyed a swift and surprising week, stepped onto the Bethpage Black course for the first time on Sunday afternoon and the limelight was quickly cast upon him as he was surrounded by a swarm of youngsters clamoring for his autograph.

By the time his practice session was over, the autographs signed and the interviews given, Nagy couldn't wait to head into his Lexus SUV (provided by the USGA for the week) and head back to his hotel.

On Thursday afternoon, Nagy will tee-off in the final grouping of the day as he takes the first swings of a dream come true. At 2:42 p.m. he will begin his run at history, joined by Shawn Stefani and Douglas Batty.

The 27-year old Stefani who attended Lamar University, qualified for the U.S. Open when he earned medalist honors with a 36-hole score of 7-under-par (135) at the Northwood Club in Dallas. Batty, a native of New Zealand, qualified by finishing second in a four-way playoff at the Saticoy Country Club. The 29-year old played for both UCLA and Toledo before spending the last two years on the Canadian Tour.

Matt, who played another practice round on Monday, will be providing a daily blog for Golfweek and his entries can followed through the link on the right side of the KSUOwls.com page as well as through the Golfweek website.