Interview with U.S. Open Qualifier Joël Stalter

U.S. Open Qualification

European Tour golfer and two-time All-American at the University of California, Berkeley, Joël Stalter has qualified for the US Open at Erin Hills. Having gone through the 36-hole qualifying tournament with a 68 and a 65 at Walton Heath, Stalter is on his way to his first major. He took some time out of his schedule to talk to us about the upcoming tournament.

Congratulations for qualifying for the 2017 U.S. Open. What does it mean to you to compete in your first major championship?

It’s definitely a dream come true to play in my first major, especially the U.S. Open!

Do you know the course at Erin Hills Golf Course or what have you heard about it so far?

I don’t know Erin Hills Golf Course, but I’ve heard it’s spectacular and very tough. I’m not surprised though as the U.S. Open is known to be the hardest test of golf. I’m up for the challenge though and can’t wait to be there.

Watch Golfing World‘s U.S. Open preview:

How will you approach this tournament and what are your objectives for the week?

Like any other event, I’ll prepare to win and learn as much as I can to get better, that’s the goal.

What is your favorite moment in U.S. Open history?

When Tiger Woods holed the putt to go in a play-off at Torrey Pines in 2008.

European Tour Season

Currently playing his first season on the European Tour, Stalter is ranked 115th in the Race to Dubai. His T7 finish at the BMW South Africa Open is his best finish this year. We asked him about his season so far.

How do you feel about your first season on the European Tour?

My season on the European Tour has been good so far. Like any other seasons it’s got it’s ups and downs but I’m really enjoying it.

Which tournament are you most looking forward to after the US Open?

I am most looking forward to the BMW International Open in Munich at GC München Eichenried the week after the U.S. Open and then the French Open at Le Golf National, obviously.

What are the biggest differences between the European Tour and the Challenge Tour?

The courses are more demanding on the European Tour than on the Challenge Tour. You have to play very well every week to finish high on the leaderboard as the top players on the European Tour are really good.

Your 3 favorite courses on the European Tour so far?

Hong Kong Golf Club, Leopard Creek Country Club in South Africa and Barsebäck Golf and Country Club, the course that hosted the Nordea Masters in Sweden.

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Tee times for the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills Golf Course: click here

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