STEPHEN IRWIN, the son of three-time U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin, was among four qualifiers in California.

What do you recall about growing up with your dad?

"I can remember us just as a little guy. I don't know how old I was, maybe five, six. Just the highlights of the days were coming out and tagging along with him and watching him practice. In my mind, I was thinking I was helping him practice.

"I'm very blessed to grow up in the environment I did.

When did you decide golf was for you?

"I didn't really get serious about golf until I was about 15. I played golf, baseball and football, all the things that kids do. Really, when I got about 15, I realized that I was probably a little better at it than some of the other kids I was playing against. I went to school at the University of Colorado and turned pro after that.

"I had a very average college career, but I was hoping with some of the insight and that I had, I could learn as a I went. I definitely learned, but I also learned that I wanted to be an amateur and not try to make my living at it, at the game.

"Ask any one of these guys. I'm sure it's taken every one of them a little while to get used to the travel and everything that has to go into a week to get yourself ready to play your best golf. There's a lot that goes into it. If you're not ready to handle that, it can be a long learning curve. For me, I learned it, but I didn't enjoy it. So, that's why I thought there's got to be a better way to make a living and I can still play golf.

When was the moment you knew you wanted to compete as a golfer?

"Really, when I got my amateur status back in 2001. Mentally, I just relaxed about the game and, I think, some maturity. I've been playing my best golf really since then. As a person, I've matured as a man , now as a father and a husband, I've become comfortable in my own skin, and I think that's really helped my golf game.

"This has been a lifelong dream to be able to play in the U.S. Open, and to able to go through local qualifying and then sectional qualifying and make it. It's a dream come true.

Is there pressure following in your father's footsteps?

"I think if you choose to take it as pressure, you can take it as pressure. I think it's a blessing. I was able to grow up being on these golf courses and playing with a lot of the older generation and seeing what made them successful. Hopefully, I can translate a lot of that into my week this week. Does that mean I'm going to go out here and win just because dad has? No, but we've been very fortunate that this tournament has defined his career and I'm 100 percent positive of that. I can only try to take what I've learned from that and my game and see what happens. Try to have a good time.