UPS Driver Disqualified from US Open Qualifiers

Nick Barrett, a 31-year-old UPS driver, had a promising start at the US Open Qualifiers, making it through the first 18 holes. However, he faced disappointment on Monday when he was disqualified from the event in Rockville, Maryland.

The disqualification occurred at Woodmont Country Club because Barrett did not sign his scorecard within the required time frame.

In a conversation with the Baltimore Sun, Barrett described the moment he realized his scorecard was still in his back pocket during the lunch break after he shot a 73 on a demanding 36-hole day. “After having a hot dog or something for lunch, I stood up, felt my back pocket and felt the scorecard there. As soon as I did that, my heart sank,” he recalled.

With around 40 friends and family cheering him on, Barrett arrived at the scorer’s tent about 20 minutes after finishing his round, only to learn that he had been disqualified.

“It’s a bit hard to explain, but ultimately, it’s my responsibility as a player. I can’t point fingers at anyone else,” he stated. “It’s just a gut punch.”

His fellow players—Cole Miller from Nutripoli, Pennsylvania, and Jason Lee from Sewickley, Pennsylvania—had signed their scorecards on time and waited for Barrett, but according to reports, he never made it to the scorer’s table.

“It’s really frustrating to be knocked out like that because of something I didn’t do,” Barrett said. “I was just caught up in the moment, and it was my mistake.”

He had played consistently, scoring a 35 on the front nine and even starting the back nine with a birdie on the par 5 tenth hole.

“I was starting to feel more at ease with my game,” he shared. “Not that I was going to go out there and shock the world, but after the first round, I felt better. It’s a real shame that I couldn’t continue.”

Barrett emphasized that his experience serves as a valuable lesson. “If people hear this, especially in relation to me, it can be viewed as a learning opportunity,” he mentioned. “I’ve never had any issues with the rules before, and it only takes one time to feel this way—I don’t want to feel it again.”

Previously, Barrett qualified by shooting a bogey-free 68 on May 5th at Northwest Golf Course in Silver Spring. In 2023, he reached the final qualifying stage for the US Open and had also participated in 32 rounds at the Central American amateur in 2024.