Max Homa has carried regrets for a decade. He missed a birdie on the sixth hole at Los Angeles Country Club and took three putts on the eighth hole. Despite shooting a course-record 61 that day, he believed he could have scored a 59. The U.S. Open, taking place at the same venue, gives Homa the chance to put those regrets behind him.
However, Homa needs to let go of his obsession with perfection when facing golf’s toughest challenges. He must handle the pressures of playing in his home county of Los Angeles, just a short distance from the public course he grew up on. In a recent interview, Homa expressed his belief that he is capable of winning any tournament and needs to prove it on the course.
Homa has had an impressive PGA Tour season, winning twice and achieving seven top-10 finishes. However, he has struggled in major tournaments, finishing 43rd at the Masters Tournament and performing poorly at the P.G.A. Championship. This year’s U.S. Open presents an opportunity for Homa to showcase his skills, as the course suits his game and his familiarity with certain clubs.
Homa’s main challenge lies in his mindset. He tends to put too much pressure on himself to play perfectly during major tournaments. He has realized that he doesn’t need to be flawless to compete at this level. Homa’s approach seemed to work on Thursday, as he equaled his best opening round at a major tournament.
Despite being near the top of the leaderboard after the first round, Homa is conscious of the tough challenge that lies ahead. The course conditions could become hellish by Friday afternoon, and the U.S. Golf Association is known for creating challenging setups. Homa remains focused on taking it one day at a time and not getting ahead of himself.
Playing a major tournament close to home brings added pressure, but Homa is trying to embrace the experience. He aims to approach the Open with a carefree attitude, treating it like any other tournament. Homa understands that he can’t control external expectations or crowd reactions. He simply wants to enjoy the opportunity he has been given.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Homa recalls how significant the Pac-12 Championship felt in 2013. However, he acknowledges that the U.S. Open is on a whole different level. He is grateful to be competing in a tournament that would have been a dream come true for his younger self.
Ultimately, Homa’s success at the U.S. Open will depend on his ability to let go of perfection and play with a relaxed mindset. He has the talent and believes he can win, but now he needs to execute on the course. It’s a challenging task but one that Homa is determined to conquer.
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