The biggest Met Area story at this year’s Open was 22-year-old Chris DeForest of Cottekill, N.Y., and Rondout Country Club. DeForest is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois and won the 2006 Carter Cup at Baltustrol. He advanced through the gauntlet of local and sectional qualifying and this was his first Open appearance, as well as his inaugural tournament as a professional.

Round 2: Teed off at 9:12 on the 10th hole. Was 8-over through 14 holes as the cut line stood at 4 over. He rebounded with birdies on the 6th, 7th and 8th holes. Needing a birdie on the par-5 9th hole to make the cut, he made par, missing the cut by one stroke.

Round 1: Shot an even-par 71 with six birdies. Was 2-under heading into the par-4 18th hole, but a double-bogey pushed him back to even par.

On his preparation: “I got down to Maryland on Friday night to get comfortable and settle in. On Saturday I practiced and got a round in at nearby Bethesda Country Club, which was a great course. On Sunday I played 15 holes in a practice round at Congressional. I played a practice round with D.A. Points who is a fellow Illini and he gave me some guidance on what to expect in my first professional event. On Tuesday I signed up for a practice round with Luke Donald. I had no hesitation writing my name next to his. The thought process was to not only play alongside the current number-one player and watch his game, but I know that the crowds would be big following the group, so I wanted to get that experience before the tournament started.”

On the course: “Congressional is an awesome course. If I had to compare it to a course in the Met Area, I would say it is most similar to Bethpage [Black]. The greens at Congressional are more challenging than at Bethpage, but both courses play long and you have the wind in your face all day.”

On the experience: “It has been amazing so far and I don’t feel out of place. I have my dad [Rondout head professional John DeForest] on my bag this week and he has played in the U.S. Open as well as PGA Championships in the past so I think that will definitely be an advantage. I feel blessed to be able to compete in our nation’s Open for my first professional event.”

On his expectations: “At the end of the day, it’s still just a golf tournament, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t trying to win. I am going to enjoy it every step of the way.”

On advice he has received: “I have been getting so many calls and texts from people showing their support. I have been talking a lot to my coach at Illinois, Mike Small, about preparation, and with my teammate and close friend Scott Langley, who tied for low amateur at the 2010 Open at Pebble Beach. Scott knows my game better than anyone and his advice has been to just pace myself and not get too far ahead.”