Meet Christian Cavaliere, One Of Eighteen Amateurs In The Field At The 123rd U.S. Open

Alex Elias

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Metropolitan Golf Association

Qualifying for the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at Los Angeles Country Club (Los Angeles, CA), Christian Cavaliere earned one of four qualifying spots at Canoe Brook Country Club (Summit, NJ), posting a -4 67 in the Opening Round and finishing 6-under-par 136 (36 Holes).

“Pretty surreal feeling to qualify. Monday was just a crazy day, and it’s been a crazy week since then. I’m not playing at a serious level anymore, and my focus has been completely on my business with Tremont, so to qualify for the biggest tournament of my life amidst it all is just bizarre—and I am so grateful,” said Cavaliere. “To be honest, I was nervous coming down the stretch because I haven’t had any competitive or pressure-packed reps since last summer. I just had a great feeling in my swing over the weekend, struck it solid, made a few putts, and found myself in that position. I’m so glad I was able to grind it out, and I’m going to absolutely soak in the experience next week.”

Looking ahead to the U.S. Open, Cavaliere said, “I don’t really have a mindset for LACC; this is all just an incredible experience. I play golf because I love to compete and challenge myself, not for any big goal or long-term trajectory. I’m not setting expectations or goals for myself—similar to my approach on Monday—just going to stay present, enjoy the moment, and be grateful for the opportunity.”

“I honestly want to be casual about the experience and the tournament next week. I want to embrace the journey, see what happens, and have fun. Sure, I’ll play my ass off and be locked in come Thursday, but before then, it’s about enjoying the week and soaking it all in,” he added.

With his colleagues following his round at Canoe Brook closely, they’re just as excited for Cavaliere as he heads to Los Angeles and are ready to offer their full support.
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“The support has been incredible from my friends, family, and the Tremont team. I had my phone off almost all day Monday, so I didn’t know the guys were following along, refreshing for updates from Canoe Brook. That video of them freaking out after I made it was hilarious, and I’ll laugh at that for years. The guys have held down the fort in West Palm so well, and I can’t thank them enough for keeping everything on track while I play a bit of golf this summer.”

That support, Cavaliere said, has also given him the chance to step back and reflect on what he’s accomplished, both personally and professionally.

“It really has been incredible. I tend to get super involved in my work and stress about not doing things fast or well enough, but my goal this year was to enjoy the moment more and appreciate where I am. Looking back over the past few years, I almost get emotional—it’s been a dream come true. I live with my best friends in one of the most beautiful places in the country, work every day with my best friends building a business, and get to play golf after work and on weekends at some of the best courses in Florida and New York. Tremont also allows me to work with amazing courses and people across the country. I don’t know—I’m rambling—but I’m incredibly grateful, and this week has put a lot into perspective. Golf for me is gravy at this point; I’m hoping to go out there, let loose, see what happens, and just be thankful for all it’s given me.”
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Cavaliere, Class of 2020 at Boston College, has qualified for four U.S. Amateurs and is one of eighteen amateurs in the field.