Preston Stout earned his spot in the U.S. Open by winning the NCAA title, and the Oklahoma State star is proving he belongs. His strong start at Shinnecock Hills is only making the decision of whether to turn pro after a historic season even more intriguing.
Should Preston Stout turn pro with what he's showed at the U.S. Open?
Preston Stout has spent the last year proving he's one of the best amateur golfers in the world.
Now, he's proving he belongs on one of golf's biggest stages.
The reigning NCAA individual champion got his invitation to the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York by winning the national title, and through this opening round, Stout has looked anything but intimidated. In fact, at one point on the front nine, the Oklahoma State star found himself tied for the lead before running into trouble on the difficult 10th hole.
Even more fitting for Oklahoma fans, Stout wasn't alone.
Sharing the top of the leaderboard with him was Oklahoma amateur Ryder Cowan, giving golf fans a little Bedlam rivalry at the U.S. Open.
Regardless of where the leaderboard finishes at the end of the week, the biggest takeaway is simple.
Preston Stout belongs.
Nothing about his performance should come as a surprise.
The junior won five tournaments this season, claimed the NCAA individual championship and helped lead Oklahoma State to another deep postseason run. His invitation to the U.S. Open wasn't a gift. He earned it.
And now he's taking advantage of it.
What's making this run even more fascinating is that Stout still hasn't announced whether he'll turn professional.
Oklahoma State fans would certainly love to see him return for another year in Stillwater.
But every shot he hits this week only makes that decision more interesting.
Because if you can contend with major champions and some of the best players in the world as an amateur, why wouldn't you believe you belong on the PGA Tour?
At some point, this stops being a hot streak.
This is simply who Preston Stout has become.
Making the cut at a major championship would only add another accomplishment to an already incredible season and perhaps further elevate his stock heading into the next chapter of his career.
The funny thing is, Oklahoma State fans may be hoping for one more season.
Stout has always been about the team. Remember, after winning the NCAA individual title, his focus immediately shifted to bringing another national championship back to Stillwater.
"I'm only focused on the team title," he said after his historic victory.
At some point though, Stout may have to start thinking about himself.
Because if he continues to perform like this against major champions and some of the best golfers in the world, the decision on whether to turn pro may start making itself.
And that's not a bad problem to have.
It simply means another Cowboy golfer is proving he belongs among the game's elite.
