Temple's Matthews hoping for Open slot

There's no guarantee that Temple's Brandon Matthews will join the 156-player field in the U.S. Open this week, but that's fine by him.

A sophomore this coming year, Matthews is on the list of alternates after taking first-alternate honors a week ago in the Purchase, N.Y., sectional qualifier. Matthews wasn't one of the six players chosen Monday to complete the field, but there's still a chance he could be selected if an exempt player or qualifier drops out.

"I'm very lucky to be doing what I'm doing and to have had the opportunities I've had already," said Matthews, of DuPont, Pa., this year's Atlantic Ten rookie of the year. ". . . I'm just going to soak it in while I can."

While Matthews is not allowed to play Merion Golf Club's East Course during practice rounds Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, as an alternate he is able to chip and putt on the practice greens and hit at the driving range.

Matthews was on and off the practice area throughout the day Monday with intermittent, heavy rain interrupting play. He said he didn't get to mingle and chat with pros as much as he would have liked, but used the time to prepare as best he could in the event that he gets the call to join the field.

He has played Merion a few times in the last month with members he knows.

"No matter how short it is, it's still very difficult," Matthews said of the 6,996-yard course.

As for the opportunity to potentially compete for a major at age 18, Matthews called the waiting game "tough" but "fun at the same time."

"If I get in . . . well, I just have to go out there and swing well," he said. "I'm just trying to take in as much as I can for as long as I possibly can."