UVA Women's Golf

Denny McCarthy is no stranger to success. The recent University of Virginia graduate boasts an incredible amateur golf career adorned with both wins at the 2015 Porter Cup and the 2014 World Amateur Championship, as well as landmark accomplishments including qualifying for the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. With impressive achievements such as these under his belt, McCarthy moves towards his future in professional golf with considerable confidence.

UVA Golf recently caught up with the young superstar about his major championship debut and we’ve got the inside scoop just for you. Here is the exclusive interview:

UVA Golf: What was your reaction to qualifying as you were driving away from the site?

McCarthy: Leaving the course, it hadn't really sunk in what I had just done but I was really excited to get back to Chambers Bay because I played in the Amateur there 5 years ago. I was excited because I knew what the course was all about and because I felt like it was certainly an advantage to play it under USGA tournament conditions.

UVA Golf: What were the best/funniest/worst/most ridiculous thing/s that happened while you were out in Chambers Bay?

McCarthy: The most ridiculous/pinch me moment came when I got to the course for the first time, pulled into the players lot, and the car that pulled in next to me was Tiger Woods.... My brother just goes, "Denny, Tiger's right there..."

UVA Golf: You made the cut at your first major championship, as a 22-year-old amateur nonetheless, and almost won the low amateur award. How much confidence in your game and for your future do you have coming off that success?

McCarthy: It gives me all the confidence in the world. It just goes to show that I have the game to play at the highest level and I can play with the best players in the world.

UVA Golf: I’ve heard a little about the supposed pampered life on the PGA Tour, but the perks at a major championship must be on another level. What was the best perk of the week?

McCarthy: Haha we got pampered for sure. It's a good life those guys live. It's hard to pick out one single thing because we got treated like kings, but I thought it was pretty cool that each player had a brand new Lexus courtesy car for the week.. I got to the airport and a new Lexus was there waiting for me to drive.

UVA Golf: What do you take away from the week? What did you learn?

McCarthy: Like I said, it gives me that inner belief that I can play with the top guys in the world, but I know I can improve and get a lot better. I saw how patient you have to be in arguably the most intense stage in golf. You really have to let the round come to you and be really disciplined. If you push against a championship course like Chambers Bay the course will push back harder. Also, you have to be mentally tough and in tune on each shot. There's no such thing as breathing room where you can take a shot off when you're playing in the U.S. Open.

UVA Golf: What’s next for Denny? When are you planning to turn pro?

McCarthy: I'm playing amateur events like the Porter Cup, the Western Amateur, and the U.S. Amateur coming up. My goal is to make the Walker Cup team and hopefully turn pro after that. I've wanted to be on the Walker Cup team for quite some time now because I think it's pretty amazing to represent your country. 

It is no doubt that an immensely successful professional career awaits Denny McCarthy. To the members of the men and women’s golf teams at UVA however, he will forever be characterized by his spunk both on and off the course. In our eyes, he will be remembered most for his sense of humor, his sense of adventure and his genuine friendship. We wish the best for Denny as he approaches his highly anticipated future and we foresee nothing but greatness for the young golfer.