Dentist Matt Vogt Qualifies for U.S. Open Two Months After Father's Passing

Matt Vogt, a 34-year-old dentist from the Indianapolis suburbs, has unexpectedly qualified for the U.S. Open, a feat that has captured the attention of golf enthusiasts worldwide. Vogt, who has always been a meticulous planner, had initially intended to attend the tournament with his family and stay at his mother's house in Cranberry, about 20 minutes from Oakmont. His plan included spending time on the course where he had caddied for five years and returning to his dental practice the day after the Open ended.

However, Vogt's plans took an unexpected turn when he qualified for the 125th edition of the U.S. Open. His journey to the tournament has been marked by a series of remarkable performances, including three rounds of steady golf that have earned him a place among the top competitors. This achievement is particularly poignant as it comes just two months after the loss of his father, Jim, to colon cancer. Vogt's father was his biggest supporter, and his absence has been deeply felt.

Vogt's decision to pursue dentistry over a professional golf career was driven by a pragmatic approach to life. Despite his impressive height and ability to hit the ball long distances, he recognized that the game required a level of discipline and mental fortitude that he was not yet prepared for. After graduating from Seneca Valley High School in 2009, he played for a couple of years at Butler University before deciding to focus on his other passion—dentistry. He graduated with a degree in biology and enrolled in dental school at the University of Indiana, where he found a fulfilling career that combined helping people, problem-solving, and running his own business.

Vogt's dental practice, The Dentists at Gateway Crossing, opened its doors in 2018. The early months were challenging, but he quickly adapted and grew the practice. Today, he has another dentist on staff and serves as an advisor to young doctors aspiring to follow in his footsteps. Around the same time, Vogt made a promise to himself not to look back with regrets. He began hitting balls with a purpose again in 2018 and quickly became a fixture on the Indiana amateur circuit. He qualified for the 2021 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont but did not advance to match play. Despite the disappointment, he rallied the next day with a 67, demonstrating his growing maturity and focus.

Vogt's priorities have shifted significantly since then. He is no longer a golfer first; his roles as a Christian, father, and husband take precedence. This change in perspective has allowed him to enjoy the game more, playing because he wants to, not because he has to. His long drives have always been a standout feature of his game. He once hit a 466-yard missile during a long drive competition, although it drifted out of bounds. This experience led him to incorporate what he learned into his skillset, helping him qualify for this year's U.S. Open through a sectional at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, Washington.

Vogt's emotional post-round video went viral, and his phone blew up with messages. The sudden attention was overwhelming, but he managed to keep track of it all with the help of his wife, Hillary. On the first tee at Oakmont, Vogt stepped off with his good friend and occasional tournament partner, Kevin O’Brien, on his bag. He signed autographs and greeted familiar faces, all while keeping his father's memory close to his heart. Jim Vogt was diagnosed with colon cancer last July and passed away less than a year later. Matt Vogt is wearing a blue ribbon on his baseball cap for colon cancer awareness and is determined to lean into the joy of the moment while honoring his father's memory.