Singapore’s Hiroshi Tai misses cut by four strokes in US Open golf debut

SINGAPORE – Hiroshi Tai was not among the golfers teeing off in the third round of the US Open in Pinehurst on June 15 after an early exit, but the Singaporean leaves North Carolina with good memories and a desire to build on his maiden Major outing.

Tai, who is the first Singaporean to feature at the event, missed the cut by four strokes after shooting a four-over 74 in the second round of the tournament.

He was among 11 golfers who finished the US$21.5 million (S$29.1 million) event with a nine-over 149 total after 36 holes at Pinehurst No. 2. He placed joint-109th, with only the top 60 and ties advancing to the third and fourth rounds.

The 22-year-old said: “I really enjoyed my experience at the US Open and I learnt a lot about what I need to improve on.

“⁠I learnt a lot about myself and how I can continue to get better.

“I was pleased with how I conducted myself on the course and I know what I need to work on.”

Singapore national coach Murray Smit praised Tai for a creditable showing.

Pointing out the challenging course, Smit said: “To be honest I think he fared really well. He will naturally be disappointed to have not made the cut, but he beat a lot of past Major winners and world-class players on a brutally difficult golf course.”

Only 15 in a field of 156 players went under par in the opening two rounds of the tournament. Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg was the second-round leader after posting one-under 69 for a five-under 135 total after 36 holes.

2020 US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau (69), Belgium’s Thomas Detry (67) and eight-time PGA Tour winner Patrick Cantlay (71) were a stroke behind in joint second.

Notable names who did not make the cut include past US Open champions Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, Webb Simpson, Gary Woodland and Lucas Glover.

Amateur golfer Tai carded a five-over 75 in the opening round and registered a birdie and five bogeys in the second round (74).

On the course, Tai said: “The course conditions were tough and it was hard to make birdies. The run off areas on the greens were quite severe and around the greens were difficult.”

Smit noted that Tai got off to a “phenomenal start” on the first day, as he was even par when he completed 12 holes after posting a bogey and birdie on his outward nine, even though bogeys on holes No. 4, 6 and 7, and a double bogey on the ninth set him back.

“That is a major positive and shows that he has the skill set to compete at the top,” said Smit, who was in contact with Tai every day.

“I’m sure that he would have learnt a lot about managing his game on such a difficult course and that will be something he will look to improve on heading into playing at Augusta next year.”

The Georgia Institute of Technology sophomore earned his spot in the US Open, and the 2025 Masters, after winning a historic individual title at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship in May.

He is the first Singaporean to play in a Major since 2012 – when Mardan Mamat was disqualified on his third appearance at the British Open due to an incorrect scorecard.

Mardan was the first Singaporean to play in a Major at the 1997 British Open. Lam Chih Bing, who placed 83rd in the 156-strong field in the 2008 British Open, is the only local to have made the cut at a Major.

It was a memorable week for Tai, who enjoyed seeing the professionals playing throughout the week. On top of watching the world’s best in action, Tai was also happy to meet nine-time PGA Tour winner Matt Kuchar and Chesson Hadley, who are Georgia Tech alumni and trained under the college’s head coach Bruce Heppler.

Smit hailed Tai’s debut as “monumental” for Singapore golf, saying: “Hopefully that encourages other players to dream big and work hard towards achieving their goals.

“He will quickly be able to establish which parts of his game are good enough to compete at the highest level and which areas still need improvement... no doubt (this) will inspire him to work even harder to be back there and competing as a professional in the years ahead.”

Having gotten a taste of playing in a Major, Tai is hungry for more. He said: “⁠It was a great experience and I had a lot of fun. I am excited for Augusta and hope I can continue to keep improving.”