WGC Ambassador - Brooks Rabren
Wellington Golf Co. Q&A with Brooks Rabren
Brooks Rabren is one step away from the U.S. Open. The road to golf's national championship is one of the most demanding qualification processes in the game, beginning with more than 10,000 entrants from around the world. Players must first advance through 18-hole local qualifying before earning a spot in one of the 13 Final Qualifying sites held across the United States, Canada, England, and Japan. Often referred to as "Golf's Longest Day," Final Qualifying consists of 36 holes in a single day, with only a handful of players advancing to the championship.
Brooks punched his ticket to Final Qualifying with an impressive performance at Raven Golf Club at Sandestin in Florida, firing rounds of 35-32 for a 4-under 67 and a solo second-place finish. Now he'll head to Purchase, New York, where Golf Club of Purchase and Century Country Club will host one of the final qualifying sites for the 126th U.S. Open. As Brooks prepares for the biggest qualifier of his career, Wellington Golf Co. caught up with an old friend to talk golf, competition, and the challenge ahead.
WGC:
You have been involved with golf from a young age and have competed on all levels. Give us a quick background of how you got introduced to golf and what motivates you to compete?
Brooks Rabren:
When I get asked this, I like to tell people "I learned to walk on a golf course," which is more or less true. My grandparents, neither of which were golfers, gave me a plastic set for my 1st birthday knowing dad had played at our local mini a time or two before. Six months later after several broken vases from flying plastic balls; My dad took me out to the real course for the first time with a cut down old putter made by a family friend. It still hangs in my office! My childhood in golf, being out on the course every day and the competition(winning) are what motivated me to return to professional golf last summer for sure.
WGC:
Brooks, we've known each other since our high school golf days and even competed against one another. Looking back, what stands out most from those early tournament years, and how have those experiences shaped the player you are today?
Brooks Rabren:
You've played Andalusia CC. That's definitely where my draw stems from! Those days are why I'm back playing professionally after not touching a club for 3 years. I missed the feeling of playing a great round and the electricity in the air the morning of a big tournament. I actually just threw some of my old players badges from tournaments I played well in from those days to help remind me of those past successes on days I need it. Funnily enough though, looking back I remember the days we spent off the course more-so than the actual rounds of golf and match outcomes as the years go by.
I will never forget cold topping a 3w off the first tee the first time I played with Brason and Kade though. I had to hit 3w again from the fairway and stuffed it to like 3 feet.
Those days & shots like that taught me that it often only takes one good shot to turn things around...
WGC:
Final Stage U.S. Open Qualifying is often called "Golf's Longest Day" for a reason. What does your preparation look like heading into 36 holes against some of the best players in the world chasing a handful of spots?
Brooks Rabren:
This... will unfortunately not be up to the standards I'd have hoped but that's alright. My grandmother passed away Sunday morning at 9am a few minutes after my grandfather arrived to the hospital. She hadn't been doing well and was somewhat expected but it was still a tough day for our family. The next few days I will be getting in practice here and there when I can around family time and obligations at home.
Once I'm on the road I'll be practicing for several hours at different points along the way and when I make it to NY, I'll have a practice round Saturday and Sunday at each course before the qualifier Monday. I know she'll be there with me, watching me chase my dream and that's better than any range session I could put in.
Typical prep for an event would be the same as most weeks for me; I'm not a huge practicer but I try to get 1-2 hours working on something specific and then play 18-36 holes every day when I'm at home. On the road I like to rest as much as possible between rounds. Light or no workouts; mostly stretching at tournaments. Light practice after the round if needed for something specific and I usually spend about 2 hours prepping before tournament rounds.
WGC:
You've played a lot of competitive golf over the years. What makes U.S. Open qualifying different from other tournaments, and what emotions come with getting this close to earning a spot in the championship?
Brooks Rabren:
I'd say the location and the stakes. I've never played up in the northeast so I'm super excited for that. My favorite book of all time is The Greatest Game Every Played and I listen to it driving to tournaments constantly. I'm really excited to learn more about the history of the game and the area while I'm there.
It's a chance at the US Open.
I know as someone that grew up in golf in the South, I'm not the only one that would be on a putting green after dark standing there in the heat and mosquitoes pretending I'm making a putt to win one of two tournaments: The Masters & The United States Open Championship.
It's what we all dream about as junior golfers.
WGC:
Golf Club of Purchase and Century Country Club will provide a different test than what you saw in Florida. When you arrive at a venue you've never seen before, what are the key things you're looking for during practice rounds and preparation?
Brooks Rabren:
The first thing I like to do when I get to a new location, especially somewhere I've never played regionally, I get a quick range session to check carry numbers for every club in the bag. A few balls each just to get a quick baseline for club choices during the first practice round. My big focus is getting the greens figured out. I've found myself spending more time on the putting greens and chipping than I do hitting shots off the tee and fairway when prepping these days. In big events and pro golf, you absolutely have to get the ball in the cup when you're around the greens. You can't take a hole off and expect to be in contention by the end of it.
WGC:
Wellington Golf Co. is proud to send some gear your way for the trip. If you find yourself standing on the 72nd hole with a chance to earn a place in the U.S. Open field, what's running through your mind in that moment?
Brooks Rabren:
"Start line, landing zone. Good swing, let's set up this approach so we can throw a dart."
I may even say it out loud to myself for reassurance before I swing...sometimes while I swing.
I'm my biggest cheerleader and my own worst critic. I'm emotional about this game so I play it with emotion, though I've gotten much better since I started played again on handling the bad outcomes.
Honestly, I'm just happy to be out there(even if some days it doesn't seem that way) and beyond grateful to get the opportunity go play in this event. Hoping I can make everyone proud, regardless of what number is written on the scorecard.
Best of luck from everyone at Wellington Golf Co. We'll be pulling for Brooks on June 8 as he chases a spot in the 126th U.S. Open.
