Hossler

Hossler, the third-youngest golfer to ever qualify for a U.S. Open after Tadd Fujikawa in 2006 and Tyrell Garth in 1941, both 15, looks to be as normal a teenager as Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., has ever produced.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

These other guys, even the famous pros, are just normal dudes, too, Hossler told me.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

The family plans to limit Hossler's appearances in big-time men's amateur events to just two or three a year.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

He'd chip in from just about anywhere and win us a lot of money, said member Mike Albert, part of the 30-plus-person entourage from California here to support Hossler.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

Hossler Sr. said he's amazed by the success and discipline his son brings to the game.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

"We want him to compete mostly against other kids while he's still a kid himself," Hossler Sr. said.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

Everyone thought he must be a caddy, said Bill Schellenberg, Hossler's godfather and frequent caddy in big events, including that week and this.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

His mom doesn't play "I don't know which club does what," she said and neither did his dad, Beau Hossler Sr., until Beau Jr. got hooked when he was seven or eight.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

The club is only a four-minute drive from where Hossler lives with his mom and stepfather and has a tradition of producing great golfers, among them Mark O'Meara and current PGA Tour player Cameron Tringale.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011

It's been a pretty busy two weeks for 16-year-old Beau Hossler Jr.

Tight Game, Loose Braces John Paul Newport 2011