Sentry is the official insurance partner of the USGA, and as a trustee of the First Tee program they sponsor a Sentry First Tee Junior Reporter each year at the U.S. Open. At Oakmont, the intrepid scribe was 10-year-old Silas Ryan, of Pittsburgh. Here’s his report from a practice-round hang with the greats. [This content was created in partnership with Sentry.]
My day as the 2025 U.S. Open Junior Course Reporter was one I’ll remember the rest of my life. After a sleepless night and a morning filled with excitement, my family and I arrived at the shuttle bus lot bright and early. Normally, I do not like waking up early, but that was not the case today. We made our way onto a shuttle to the course, which was bigger and more beautiful than I had dreamed it would be. I had to see for myself if the grass was real! We ate breakfast, then my brother and I raced to the autograph barn, where we were lucky enough to get a few player autographs. Finally, it was time to meet everyone at the media center.
I instantly felt both excited and nervous. The first person I met was Jack McGraw with the USGA. He introduced us to the Sentry team who helped make my entire day possible. When we were speaking about our agenda for the day, I received a huge surprise: a 2025 Masters flag autographed by Rory McIlroy! After that, I met my partner for the day: GOLF’s director of social media, Claire Rogers. Claire was so kind that my nervousness melted away. Things were off to a great start, so we went to the range to start interviewing pros. It was the first time in my life being that close to professional athletes. My first interview was with PGA Tour player James Nicholas, and he was great. James showed me that pros were just normal humans. Next, I spoke with Aaron Rai. I asked him one serious and one goofy question. This went over great, and it turned out to be my formula for the day.
One of my favorite parts of the day was my “walk and talk” with Gary Woodland. A highlight was when Mr. Woodland handed me his putter on the 1st green. How many other 10-year-olds can say they putted during a U.S. Open practice round with a former U.S. Open winner?
After lunch and a few more attempts on a practice green that was as tricky as the actual Oakmont greens, I put a cherry on the day with my final activity: Bryson DeChambeau’s media interview. I knew I was going to get to ask him his final question, but it seemed like there were so many questions before mine. As every reporter asked their questions, the knot in my throat tightened more and more. But it was finally my turn!
“You have successfully reinvented the game of golf in so many ways, both on and off the course,” I said. “How do you want to be remembered?” Bryson’s looked directly at me. He said he wanted to inspire kids like me to play golf and to be inspired to play professionally. I will never forget the huge smile he had on his face when they called on me and how proud I was for not messing up the question. Then he came over, gave me a fist bump and took a picture with me.
The whole day was like a dream. I am so grateful to the USGA, Sentry and the First Tee — they’re so committed to growing the game through projects like this that empower kids and teens through the game of golf and embrace tech and learning to be a better person through golf. I’m happy to say it’s worked for me.
