By Josh Aubrey, Statesboro Herald

Former Georgia Southern golfer Ben Carr became the first Eagle to make the cut as an amateur at the U.S. Open two weeks. The weekend didn’t go the way that he had hoped, but he was the second lowest amateur in the field and he is still proud for making the cut at a major.

“Getting to play the weekend at a major was definitely a goal I have always had,” he said. “I really had to push through on Friday when it looked like I was going to miss the cut. Playing those final tough four holes in 1-under par is something I am very proud of. Obviously, I would have liked to have played better over the weekend, but it was still a great experience that I will always remember.”

Carr also enjoyed being somewhat of a celebrity during the week as the USGA posted videos spotlighting him, and he also received plenty of texts and congratulations after making the cut.

“It was really nice to see all the people on social media reaching out and saying they were proud of me and so many Georgia Southern fans,” Carr said. “I am so glad I chose to come to Georgia Southern as the fans and support I have received from them my whole collegiate career was great.”

Carr began his pro career on the PGA Tour Canada last week in Saskatchewan at the Elk Ridge Saskatchewan Open.

“I am excited to finally start pro golf,” he said. “I am not familiar with the courses we will play on, as I have never played in Canada, but I am looking forward to jumping in this week and seeing what happens.”

While Carr made his first trip moth of the border, he had a couple familiar faces joining him this week. Eagle teammate Wilson Andress also is playing on the PGA Tour Canada, and fellow Eagle Colin Bowles is caddying for Andress, who missed the cut in his first event last week after firing a 66 in the opening round.

“It feels kind of like another college event with Wilson and Colin up here,” Carr said. “Getting to travel with Wilson all summer is going to be fun. I know a lot of the other guys on the Tour as well, so I will feel comfortable. I am planning on carrying my own bag, but if you make the weekend you have to hire a local caddy, so I suppose that is what I will do for now, but it is all so exciting.”

Carr entered last week with a little added confidence and is hoping to draw from his past experiences for success starting this week as a professional.

“Everything that happened this past week and earlier at The Masters will help me so much going forward,” Carr said. “Dealing with the crowds which were a little rowdier is another thing that will help. Proving I belong with the best golfers in the world is something that mentally I probably needed before I turned pro and I am so thankful for everything that has gotten me to this point.”