On Thursday morning, a 34-year-old dentist, husband, son, and father will step up to the tee box to play in the 125th U.S. Open on a course where he once caddied.
This isn't a golf story. It’s a story about family, life, and a constant reminder to never give up on your dreams, no matter how old you are. In an instant, Cranberry Township native Matt Vogt's life was turned upside down when he went from his ordinary life as a dentist to qualifying for the U.S. Open. Now signing autographs and polishing his interview skills, he took a moment to take it all in when he stepped up to the interview podium at Oakmont Country Club on Monday.
“This is wild, guys."
Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, Vogt always dreamt of one day being on tour. But he instead prioritized his studies and was a Butler University walk-on for their golf team, later grinding his way through dental school.
Vogt played his first U.S. Amateur at Oakmont in 2021, and it didn’t go well. He quadrupled his first hole and missed the cut. But his father, Jim, was there watching him in person. Unbeknownst to both, that would be the last event Jim would ever see of his son Matt.
This year, Jim is no longer here with us.
Vogt's father passed away in April after a quick and devastating battle with colon cancer. Vogt wears a blue ribbon on his Titleist hat to honor him which you will be able to see this Thursday.
“He had colon cancer," Vogt said. "I wear the blue ribbon for that. Gosh, I say a prayer every night for people who have been affected by cancer. It's a horrible, horrible thing.”
However, while talking to reporters, Vogt seemed in good spirits.
“He got that diagnosis last year, and it wasn't good," he continued. "Over the past few months before his passing, you could see it was starting to take a toll. So it's emotional, but honestly I know he's in a better place. He was beginning to suffer, and that's something no one ever wants to see. Although I wish he was still here with us -- and yes, I'm sure this weekend will be emotional -- there's a sense of peace among our family, and I hope he's at peace as well because it was hard.”
The most emotional moment of all the press conferences today was when Vogt expressed his gratitude for being a new father himself, choking up mid-sentence.
“It's a unique time in my life where, yes, my father passed, and I miss him dearly, but I have this beautiful 15-month-old daughter and a wife who supports me in pursuing this and doing these kinds of things," Vogt said, getting emotional. "I thank God every day for them. I really do. I thank God for everything in my life. I think this weekend is going to be full of gratitude and hopefully some good golf too.”
Vogt was also asked why his story resonates with so many people, and he said that he wasn't quite sure.
“I don't know," he said. "I'm not sure why I'm talking to people. I'm not sure why there's so much interest and why it resonates, but I suppose maybe it's because people are inspired. I guess that's one of my goals in doing all this this week, besides obviously doing the best I can in the golf tournament, is just to inspire some people, to let them know that it's never too late to try to pursue something.”
Having to return to his dental practice in McCordsville, Indiana next week, he’s not here to make the cut or steal the spotlight. He is here to walk with purpose and prove, maybe to himself more than anyone, that if you love something, you go ahead and do it.
