Illini Alumni Gear Up for the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont
As the 125th U.S. Open approaches, three former University of Illinois golfers—Brian Campbell, Thomas Detry, and Jackson Buchanan—are preparing to showcase their skills on one of golf’s most prestigious stages. Each has a unique storyline leading into this highly anticipated event, and while they won’t be teeing off together, their individual journeys are sure to resonate with fans and fellow players alike.
Brian Campbell: A Season of Resurgence
Brian Campbell, the 32-year-old Californian, marks his return to the PGA Tour this season, a fitting comeback after a five-year hiatus. His notable achievement came early in the year when he clinched his first Tour victory at the Mexico Open in February. This win has reinvigorated his career, as he has successfully made the cut in seven out of 15 events since his return.
Recently, Campbell faced a setback when he withdrew from the Memorial Tournament due to a shoulder injury, following a tough opening round where he carded a 79. Nevertheless, his resilience and experience from previous U.S. Opens are assets as he heads into this year’s competition.
In terms of his U.S. Open history, Campbell has participated in three tournaments, with his best finish being tied for 27th at Chambers Bay in 2015, where he also excelled as the low amateur. This year, he will tee off at 7:13 a.m. on Thursday alongside Niklas Norgaard and Justin Lower, and then again on Friday at 12:58 p.m.
Thomas Detry: Hitting His Stride
At 32 years old, Thomas Detry is having an exceptional season on the PGA Tour. Currently sitting 23rd in the FedEx Cup standings, Detry has racked up five Top 25 finishes in 17 events, including a standout victory at the WM Phoenix Open—his first triumph on the PGA Tour.
His recent performance at the RBC Canadian Open was another highlight, where he finished tied for 18th and managed to secure three rounds in the 60s at TPC Toronto. Detry’s growing confidence and skill will be instrumental as he takes on the challenges of this year’s U.S. Open.
Detry’s history in the U.S. Open is promising; he has made the cut in two of the three tournaments he’s played, with a notable tied 14th finish at the iconic Pinehurst No. 2 last year. He will tee off at 7:02 a.m. on Thursday and follow up at 12:47 p.m. on Friday, paired with Cam Davis and Davis Thompson.
Jackson Buchanan: The Rising Star
In a remarkable shift from college to professional golf, 23-year-old Jackson Buchanan is set to make his professional debut at the U.S. Open. Fresh from an impressive senior season at Illinois, Buchanan capped off his collegiate career as the Byron Nelson Award winner and an honorable mention All-American, with four wins to his name, including at the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational last October.
Buchanan secured his spot in this year’s U.S. Open through a stellar performance during final qualifying. He put on a remarkable display with back-to-back 9-under 63s at Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, showcasing his talent and potential on a significant platform.
Although he qualified as an amateur for last year’s U.S. Open, Buchanan faced challenges and missed the cut after rounds of 76 and 70. This year, however, he appears well-equipped to tackle the competition, starting off at 7:57 a.m. on Thursday and later at 1:42 p.m. on Friday, where he’ll be joined by Zach Bauchou and amateur Lance Simpson.
