Amateur golfer Matt Vogt attempted to stay positive despite a less-than-ideal start at the US Open on Thursday. Vogt, who swapped his dental drills for drivers, became one of the tournament's highlights when he earned his spot at the prestigious event through qualifying. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Vogt was honoured with striking the opening tee shot at Oakmont, a course where he has nostalgic ties from his caddying days prior to university.

However, his local knowledge fell short in helping him navigate the challenging course, which led to a difficult 12-over-par 82 by the end of the punishing first round. And the 34-year-old reflected: "I came in with such optimism for this golf course, but it is so hard. It's just so, so hard.

"I'd say in the moment you feel like you get punched in the face, but ultimately, I'd say it was fun. Honestly, I think anything in golf and life, you have to look at things like this as just kind of another blip on the radar of your life and your experience.

"That's much easier said than done. It's the US Open. For me to just say it's just another golf tournament would be lying to myself. Again, I think down the road there will definitely be a lot of things to take from today.

"I mean, how could any other golf tournament feel more like this or more full of pressure like this? I mean, it's the US Open.

"I hope that I represented the city, Oakmont, with pride today. I don't want this to all be about me this week. All this has been incredible."

"I just hope to bring a lot of joy to the city. It means a ton. It means a ton to hit that first tee ball. There's been so many people in the city and here at Oakmont that have been so awesome this week."

Although disappointed with his game, he found solace in the bigger picture: "It does mean a ton. Right now playing poorly really stings. I know I'll look back on it, and that will help save things."