You’ve probably seen the highlights or scrolled past the social media posts. A former college linebacker, built like he should be sacking quarterbacks in the SEC, standing over a delicate four-foot putt with the poise of a seasoned pro. It’s Evan Thompson. But there’s a lot of noise surrounding the Evan Thompson US Open qualifier run that gets lost in the TikTok transitions and the YouTube vlogs.
People see the muscles and the "content creator" tag and assume it’s a gimmick. It isn't.
Honestly, the transition from the gridiron to the greens of a USGA setup is one of the most statistically improbable jumps in modern sports. We're talking about a guy who set records at Kennesaw State for tackles—118 in a single season, to be exact—now trying to navigate the "Longest Day in Golf." If you think this is just a guy with a camera playing dress-up, you haven't looked at the scorecards.
The Reality of the Evan Thompson US Open Qualifier Journey
Most people think "qualifying" means you just sign up and play. Not for the U.S. Open. It is a brutal, multi-stage grind designed to break your spirit. Thompson didn't just show up; he earned medalist honors at his local qualifier on May 13, 2025, carding a blistering 66.
That 66 wasn't a fluke.
He beat out fields of lifelong golfers, guys who have been groomed in country clubs since they were four. He did it with a swing that looks powerful because it is. He carries the ball distances that make your local pro look like they’re playing with a broomstick. But the U.S. Open doesn't care about your drive if you can't scramble.
Breaking Down the Local Stage
The local qualifying round is a one-day, 18-hole shootout. You mess up once, you're out. Thompson’s performance at this level was a "receipt" for the doubters. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) about being "36 holes away from the U.S. Open," and while the internet did its thing—half cheering, half sneering—the reality was that he was legitimately one good day away from Oakmont.
- Location: Local qualifying sites vary, but Thompson often competes out of the Florida/Georgia circuits.
- The Score: A 66 is "elite" regardless of who you are.
- The Vibe: High-pressure, low-margin for error.
Thompson’s background as a Fifth-Year at FGCU and his time at North Georgia provided the competitive backbone. You don't become a GCAA PING All-American (Honorable Mention) by accident. He has the "tournament reps," even if his path wasn't traditional.
Why the "Content Creator" Label Distracts Fans
Here is the thing: the golf world is still kinda stuffy. When they see a guy like Evan Thompson filming his rounds for 190,000+ YouTube subscribers, the "purists" get twitchy. They think he’s focused on the camera more than the pin.
But honestly? Content creation is what allows him to chase the dream.
Golf is expensive. The travel, the entry fees, the equipment, the coaching—it adds up to a figure that would make most people quit before they start. By building a brand, Thompson has funded a high-level amateur career that most people only get if they have a trust fund. He’s basically hacked the system.
In his "I Got Last..." video following the Final Qualifying round in June 2025, he was refreshingly blunt. He didn't make it to the U.S. Open main draw. He struggled over 36 holes. The "Longest Day in Golf" lived up to its name and chewed him up. But that’s golf. Even the best in the world miss more than they make. The fact that a former linebacker was even in the conversation for a spot at Oakmont is absurd when you really sit down and think about it.
Lessons from the Scorecard
If you’re looking to follow the Evan Thompson US Open qualifier path, or just improve your own game, there are a few tactical takeaways from how he approaches the game.
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First, his physical fitness is a weapon, not a hindrance. There’s an old myth that "too much muscle" ruins a golf swing. Thompson proves that’s nonsense. His pliability routines and mobility work—which he often talks about—are why he can generate massive speed without snapping in half.
Second, the mental transition. In football, if you're angry, you hit someone. In golf, if you're angry, you hit a snap-hook into the woods. Thompson has had to rewire his entire neurological response to stress. Watching him navigate a bad hole is actually more educational than watching him birdy a par 5.
What’s Next for Evan?
The 2025 season showed that he belongs in the room. He’s currently grinding through the amateur circuit, frequently appearing in WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) events like the Southeastern Amateur. He isn't stopping. Whether it’s the 2026 U.S. Open at Winged Foot or another USGA event, the trajectory is upward.
Actionable Steps for Aspiring Qualifiers:
- Check the USGA Calendar Early: Local qualifying registration usually opens in February. Don't miss the deadline.
- Focus on "Tournament Golf": Playing with your buddies is not the same as playing with a marker. Thompson plays high-stakes amateur events to keep his edge.
- Physical Maintenance: If you want to play 36 holes in one day (Final Qualifying), you need a fitness base. Start a mobility program now, not a week before the event.
- Manage Expectations: 10,000 people try to qualify for the U.S. Open. Only a handful make it. It's about the process, not just the result.
Evan Thompson is proving that the "traditional" path to professional or elite amateur golf is dead. You can be a linebacker. You can be a YouTuber. And you can still go out and shoot a 66 when the lights are the brightest.