High School Teacher Colin Prater Competes in U.S. Open

From classroom to fairway, Prater navigates his first major tournament with guidance from golf's elite

Colin Prater, a high school biology teacher, qualified for the U.S. Open by finishing second in a 36-hole qualifier.
Prater, an accomplished amateur golfer, is experiencing his first U.S. Open and has had practice rounds with top players like Jordan Spieth and Scottie Scheffler.
Rory McIlroy's advice to Prater emphasized patience and hitting the middle of the green, which resonated deeply with him.
Prater balances his passion for golf with his dedication to teaching and family, planning to return to his normal life post-tournament.
His primary goal is to make the cut and play all four days of the U.S. Open.