Zach Overstreet, a second-year finance major on the Seattle University Men’s Golf team, qualified for the U.S. Open Sectionals. Overstreet will be competing in sectionals on June 2 in hopes of progressing to the annual national golf tournament.

“Everyone tries to get to the U.S. Open, so even just having a chance of getting there by playing in the sectional is really all I wanted,” he said. “Now, it’s up to me to really use that opportunity to play my best golf.”

Overstreet has been playing golf for over 10 years. He was first introduced to the sport by his father who also played golf growing up and in high school.

“I grew up going to the driving range with [my father],” Overstreet said. “It started off as a fun father-son thing, but eventually I grew more interested and started to improve. From there, I kept moving up and then it became a goal to play college golf.”

In addition to introducing Overstreet to golf, Overstreet’s father has inspired him both on and off the golf course.

“I’ve seen the ways he’s taught me and prepared me for life and situations like this,” he said. “I use that as a drive when I think about how I should prepare, what my work ethic should look like and how I should act in certain situations whether that’s on a golf course or not.”

The Seattle U Men’s Golf Coach, Marc Chandonnet, said Overstreet reflected traits of his father that made working with Overstreet easy.

“Zach’s dad is a man of faith—very grounded. Zach is a man of faith himself and knows what he wants out of life,” Coach Chandonnet said. “He doesn’t let outside circumstances influence what he’s trying to accomplish or who he’s trying to be. He seems easy for me.”

In preparation for the U.S. Open sectionals, Overstreet is getting ready just how he would for any other tournament. He said all the competing he has participated in this season has contributed to his preparation.

“I’m always preparing because I’m competing the whole year. I put myself in the position where I believe I can play well and advance on,” he said. “[I] stick to what I know works for me and build off of those heading into the event.”

Chandonnet agreed with Overstreet, saying that the U.S. Open Sectionals is just another golf tournament.

“[He should] envision himself winning. You’re not going there to just play great, you’re going there to win,” he said. “I appreciate Zach’s commitment to the institution, the program and the work ethic he brings to Seattle U and I look forward to watching him in the next couple of years.”

Hunter may be reached at
[email protected]