Matt Marshall earns trip to U.S. Open at Oakmont

A recent U.S. Open qualifier hit close to home when Matt Marshall, son of Bob Marshall, the guy who put the “B” in OB Sports, qualified to play in the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont. After firing 67-71—138 to finish tied for third place, Matt went on to clinch the final spot with a par on the third playoff hole at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, Washington on June 6.

“It’s so crazy that my golf career was coming to an end,” said Matt in an interview with Golfweek. “Funny how life works out. For a little over a month, I haven’t really been playing. All of a sudden, here I am going to the U.S. Open.”

Marshall, currently an assistant golf professional at The Portland Golf Club in Portland, Oregon, has been playing on the mini tours since turning professional in 2009. But most recently he’s been making more wine than birdies alongside his two brothers on their family owned vineyard in Oregon. And his father, Bob, is the director of golf operations at CordeValle, near San Jose, California, a place that is no stranger to championship tournaments as well as a little wine making. In fact, this stunning OB Sports-managed facility will host the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open in July. Perhaps Bob brought home a few tricks of the trade to share with his maintenance crew at CordeValle after spending a week at Oakmont.

“I couldn’t be happier for Matt,” said Bob Marshall. “He’s just such a talented player, it’s great to see him break through, and wow, what a time to do it.”

As it turns out, the “O” in OB Sports also played a role in Matt’s golf career. Orrin Vincent, founder of OB Sports, served as Matt’s swing coach for many years. “Congratulations to Matt; he definitely deserves it,” said Vincent. “Although I’m proud to say that I may have taught him a thing or two over the years, Matt deserves all the credit for his incredible play.”

On behalf of the OB Sports family: Well Done Matt! We rooted for you at Oakmont.