Kellen Dean Q&A

Photo of Kellen Dean provided.

Saratoga Springs High School senior Kellen Dean advanced out of the U.S. Open local qualifier earlier this month at the Albany Country Club in Voorheesville. 

He finished second among all competitors, shooting a 2-under 70 to become one of five players that moved on to final qualifying. He’ll continue his journey to this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club on June 13-16.

Saratoga TODAY asked Dean about his performance in the local qualifier, as well as his future plans.

Q: How did you feel about your performance in the qualifier on May 13? Did you meet or exceed your expectations?

A: I was very happy with my performance at Albany Country Club. I was very happy with how I battled back after a double bogey on hole three. Going into the event my expectations were to qualify so I definitely met my expectations.

Q:  What parts of your game do you think are the strongest, and what areas are you working on?

A: I believe my strongest part of my game is my short game and wedging. I always feel like I have an advantage on the field when I am chipping or have a wedge in my hand. You can always work on your putting because it can always be better, but lately I have been working on hitting more fairways off the tee with my driver.

Q:  What are your goals for the future?

A: I have a lot of summer tournaments this year I still have to qualify for but my biggest goals going into this year is to qualify for the US Jr Championship and PGA Jr Championship this summer. Another goal for this year was for my golf game to be sharp heading into my freshman year in college at Xavier University, and to be able to make an instant impact for the team.