SAN FRANCISCO — Beau Hossler didn’t win the U.S. Open. He didn’t even finish as the low amateur after shooting a 6-over par 76 in his final round yesterday to finish 9-over par for the tournament. Jordan Spieth of the University of Texas was the low amateur at 7-over-par.
A double-bogey at the par-4 18th ruined Hossler’s chances. It was a disappointing ending to a remarkable weekend for the 17-year-old high school junior from Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.
He had entered the final round four shots off the lead and talked of winning the tournament. He had qualified for last year’s U.S. Open as a 16-year-old but missed the cut.
“I made some crucial mistakes and missed some on the wrong side of the holes,” Hossler said. “But just like from last year, it’s only a learning experience and I still have some time before I come out and start doing this for a living.”
Hossler verbally committed to Texas earlier this year and no matter how famous he becomes after his remarkable performance at the Olympic Club, the plan is for him to attend the University of Texas following his senior year and get his college degree.
Don’t be surprised if Hossler spends four years at Texas. Though he emerged as the darling of this year’s U.S. Open, it won’t guarantee instant riches.
“The money on speculation is not what it once was,” said Darren Rovell, CNBC’s sports business reporter. “If you’re not one of the top 10 golfers in the world, you’re not really doing well in endorsements. You might get a nice little payday up front and if you win a major, you get a bonus. But don’t think these guys are making a fortune.”
It’s doubtful any of the major manufacturers will offer Hossler a contract that will entice him to skip college. Those deals are a thing of the past.
“If this were 2003, there might be more pressure on him to turn pro,” Rovell said. “Someone might have been willing to give him $3 or $4 million in endorsements. But this is not that time.”
History also suggests there’s no guarantee of instant success on the PGA Tour. In 2001, Ty Tryon qualified for the PGA Tour at age 17 and signed a lucrative deal with Callaway. Now, he has just $146,788 in