Amateur Brett Patterson is a 19-year old sophomore elementary education major at Middle Tennessee State University. This McMinnville, Tennessee native is competing in his first U.S. Open after qualifying at Hawk's Ridge G.C. in Ball Ground, Ga., with rounds of 70-62, tying for medalist honors with Ryan Nelson. He is the fourth-youngest player in the field. Patterson was a starter on the Blue Raider golf team, averaging 72.65 strokes per round. He is the first player in school history to qualify for the U.S. Open. He joins Brandt Snedeker as the two Tennesseans in the field this year. Patterson chatted briefly with media relations volunteer Steve Merrill. On when he started playing tournament golf: "I started playing competitive golf when I was 12, playing in club events and smaller junior tour events. I won my club's junior championship when I was younger. I didn't win a big event win until last year." On his first impression of Congressional when he came on the grounds on Sunday (June 12): "Wow. It's starting to sink in now what this place is all about. I'm trying to prepare for a tournament like I always do. I want to work on my short game and driving it straight when I practice this afternoon. I want hit a lot of putts to get comfortable with the greens." How his team's NCAA Regional appearance at The Farms in San Diego prepared him for Congressional: "I played NCAA Regionals three weeks ago. It was tough. The fairways were tight as well and it helped me get prepared for playing here." On visualizing getting through qualifying: "My goal was to just have a good day and play to my ability. Anybody there can have a good day and get in. While it was difficult, I knew that I could do it and tied for first even with a double-bogey." On his hometown support: "I wouldn't be here without the support of my parents, family and friends. They have been great. I have friends coming to watch, my coach, his wife, my uncle and sister."