Set number: X163665 TK4
One of the biggest potential underdog stories in sports history didn’t materialize on Monday.
John Eckert, attending a local US Open qualifier in Kansas City as a penalty for finishing last in his fantasy football league, shot a 40-over-112 to finish last again.
ESPN’s Mark Schlabach caught up with Eckert, who said he usually shoots in the low 90s and that he “had some momentum going into qualifiers, so vibes were up.”
That swing immediately collapsed and burned after starting with a triple bogey on the 10th hole. Eckert shot a 22-over-58 on the back nine.
The front nine started poorly as Eckert shot 13-over on the first four holes. But he caught fire on the course with pars on the fifth, seventh and ninth holes.
“I’m definitely quite satisfied with the four pars,” said Eckert zu Schlabach. “Running got me. I’m more of a cart guy myself.”
Eckert had to hide something on his registration form in order to even be admitted to the tournament. Schlabach had more information on this front:
Todd Stice, director of rules and competitions at Central Links Golf in Kansas City, which hosted the US Open qualifiers, said Eckert was able to play in the tournament because he identified himself as a professional player on his entry form. Only amateurs are affected by USGA rules, which require a handicap of 1.4 or less to compete in US Open qualifiers.”
The day may not have gone as well as Eckert might have hoped and it’s unfortunate his best form didn’t make it to the end of his lap. But the 26-year-old deserves credit for cashing the bet and completing all 18 holes.
He may not have won the golf leaderboard or fantasy football, but his determination to accomplish the task at hand was noble.