Andrew Landry (Getty)
If you’re a die-hard golf fan, you might have heard of Andrew Landry before this week.
Though to most fans, the name definitely didn’t ring a bell.
But now the name Andrew Landry has become very familiar thanks to his stellar play at the U.S. Open, which sees in near the top of the leaderboard as the tournament draws near a close.
Drew, as he is referred to by those close to him, has always had a strong support system, mainly his family — parents Dwain and Patricia, and his older brother Adam.
Here’s what you need to know about Landry and his family:
1. The Family is From Texas
The Landry family is from Groves, Texas, a small city about 90 miles east of Houston.
It’s located just few miles from the Louisiana border.
Andrew, 28, grew up playing on a 9-hole course called known as the “Pea Patch.” He says he shot a 58 for 18 holes on day after playing the course twice.
2. Landry’s Father Worked 2 Jobs to Support the Golf Career
And once again, we have a new leader. This guy’s name is Andrew Landry. #USOpen t.co/lUg0j7j0x4
Andrew’s father, Dwain, worked two jobs to support his son’s golfing career.
Dwain was a 30-year employee of FedEx, where he was a courier.
But when Andrew turned pro in 2009, Dwain took a second job — he opened a landscaping company.
I worked 10-11 hours a day at FedEx, and then cut grass on my off day and on weekends. We pretty much worked seven days a week, and if we had to do it all over again, we’d do it a million times. You have to help your kid chase his dreams.
3. Andrew Brought his Mother to Tears During the St. Jude Classic
Andrew Landry almost had his #USOpen hopes cut short in local qualifying. t.co/UFVPeOADTK
In a story by Yahoo!, Andrew’s mother Patricia (she goes by Tricia) told reporter Jay Hart she was brought to tears recently by a text from her son.
Andrew was playing at the FedEx St. Jude Classic in Tennessee the week before the U.S. Open. He sent a text to his mother telling her he was going to meet with kids at the St. Jude children’s hospital, which is located in Memphis, the tournament’s site.
Here’s the text in its entirety:
Dear Mom and Dad, I was just given the opportunity to go make a difference in someone’s life today. I will be going on Tuesday from 12-3 to go visit and meet with the kids from St. Jude here in Memphis. At first I was scared to death to even do it because I wouldn’t think I would be strong enough but when I think about what they do everyday of their lives at such a young age I HAVE TO GO! I will be meeting some of the strongest individuals on this earth and wouldn’t miss it for the world. It has already given me this warm feeling of being so blessed to be healthy and to be pursuing a passion that is in the big picture … just menial. I just wanted to share this with you both because I know this is God putting his hands on me to see the big picture of life and how short our time is here. You both have instilled so much in me and if I can just help 1 person fight a little harder and be a little more stronger I will feel like we made a difference. I love you both
4. He Told his Parents He Would Win the U.S. Open
Who is Andrew Landry?
He’s the leader of the U.S. Open. t.co/vCgmyKph4f
For a guy who had only played a dozen PGA events and zero majors up until this point, Andrew apparently doesn’t lack confidence.
This is an excerpt of an exchange between father and son from the ESPN story:
Andrew: “Dad, I’m going to win this tournament.”
Dwain: “Drew, I have all the faith in the world that you can do this. You’re just as good as the rest of those guys out there.”
Dwain added:
He doesn’t want to make the cut or be in the top 10. He wants to win.
Andrew is in great shape at the moment near the top of the leaderboard as the tournament draws close to an end.
5. Andrew has an Older Brother
Andrew has an one older brother, Adam.
Adam was also interested in golfing as a kid, Tricia told Yahoo!
Her brother played golf and would bring Andrew and Adam to the driving range.
Don’t let ’em go to the range. They’ll get lazy. Buy ’em a bucket of balls and take ’em to the school.
Adam and his parents are all at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania this week to support Andrew.