I had some fun with one of the many outstanding golfers who challenged Oakmont and Longue Vue this week at the US Amateur. But did I end up jinxing him?
His name is Joe Highsmith from Lakewood, Washington. He plays golf at Pepperdine and helped the Waves win the NCAA title earlier this year. I met Joe by chance during Sunday’s practice round when I followed a group down the first fairway. I noticed a golfer from the adjoining ninth hole walking toward me, heading toward the ditch and long grass between the fairways.
We had a quick exchange and told him I wish I could help but I hadn’t been there when he teed off. After a cursory look, and being of little help, I went on my way and I wished him luck. I noticed his name on his Pepperdine bag so I decided to adopt Joe Highsmith as a guy to root for, along with the local golfers.
Joe was near the top of the leaderboard during stroke play and finished tied for ninth. He came from behind to win his first match – played over two days because of the weather delays – so we had a chance to catch up Thursday during down time before his second match.
For a 21-year old he has accomplished quite a bit on the golf course, not the least of those accomplishes - 14 holes in one! “One a year,” as he puts it since he started playing at the age of 7. “My dad has had 3 double eagles,” he proudly added.
I may have overstepped, however, at the end of our conversation when I gave him a coveted Jimbo ball.
Once again, his second round match was suspended by weather/darkness and had to be completed Friday morning. It appeared the Jimbo ball (which he obviously did not use in competition) would bring good fortune when Joe eagled the par 4 17th hole to square his match. Alas he bogeyed number 18 and was eliminated.
Still, Joe Highsmith will leave Pittsburgh with some solid memories – “Oakmont is already my favorite course,” he told me – and also a Jimbo ball.
No that is not a Jimbo ball he’s holding and I honestly don’t know what he’ll do with it.
But there is a part of me that hopes Joe Highsmith will remember to bring it when he returns to Oakmont to play in the 2025 US Open!