USGA Staffer Jason Gore Ventures Inside The Ropes Once More

Jason Gore will be at the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, but not as a player. Photo: Streeter Lecka, Getty Images

DALLAS, TEXAS | Jason Gore causally flips on his cell phone to look at 2021 second round U.S. Open Final Qualifying scores Tuesday during one of the multiple rain delays. He scrolls down the list of players until he sees his name and says, “I’m 1 under now and if I got hot with a few more birdies when we restart, who knows? I’m going to the U.S. Open either way this year, so if I have to bring my clubs and play, I’m good with that.”

Ultimately, the affable former full-time player didn’t make it as a contestant in the U.S. Open this year. He missed qualifying by four shots, and, as a result, missed an opportunity to compete again in the event of his greatest notoriety and one of his greatest disappointments. Playing in the final-round pairing of the 2005 U.S. Open with defending champion Retief Goosen, Gore shot a final-round 84 at Pinehurst No. 2, falling to a tie for 49th spot. He never got close to those major-champion...