
Max Homa Carries His Own Bag in Gritty U.S. Open Qualifier Appearance
Max Homa, a six-time PGA Tour winner, took an unusual approach at the U.S. Open final qualifier this week—he carried his own bag for all 36 holes. Competing at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio, Homa went without a caddie following his recent split with longtime bagman Bill Harke. With no replacement yet, he opted to handle the full weight of the round—literally. Playing solo in a physically demanding qualifier, Homa managed to shoot 5-under-par across two rounds. His solid performance earned him a spot in a five-man playoff for the final U.S. Open berth. Unfortunately, the playoff didn’t go his way. Cameron Young secured the last qualifying slot with a clutch birdie, while Homa came up short, missing out on both the spot and a backup alternate position after a costly four-putt. Despite the setback, Homa remained grounded. He reflected on the solitude of the day, describing it as a peaceful and introspective experience. Walking the course alone, he said, gave him time to focus purely on the game. Currently ranked No. 90 in the world, Homa still has one last opportunity to qualify for the U.S. Open. A win at the RBC Canadian Open this week could move him into the top 60, which would secure him a spot at Oakmont. While he didn’t clinch a place in the major just yet, Homa’s solo effort earned widespread respect—and served as a reminder of his resilience and dedication to the sport.