PATRICK CANTLAY, the UCLA freshman who won the Jack Nicklaus award as the top collegiate player, shot rounds of 65 and 70 in Columbus, Ohio, to earn a spot in the 111th U.S. Open Championship

Describe your mental preparation for your first U.S. Open?

"It's the same as if I was teeing it up at a college event. Gonna learn the golf course as best as possible and go play every shot how it's supposed to be played."

Is there any intimidation factor?

"Not for me. I'm just going to go play the golf course and see what happens at the end of the day."

What was your reaction when you made the field for the U.S. Open?

"I was elated, very happy to be here. It's a dream-come-true to play in the U.S. Open."