Hossler happy with invite from Tiger

• By Ryan Ballengee
• Jun 26, 2012 9:11 PM ET

BETHESDA, Md. - Two Fridays ago, 17-year-old Beau Hossler briefly held the lead alone in the U.S. Open. That performance at The Olympic Club has changed the teen's life, including earning an invitation to compete at this week's AT&T National.

Tiger Woods made a push to get Hossler into the event at the last minute.

"That was pretty special, because it was really late notice and I wasn't really expecting it," Hossler said Tuesday. "But to be able to be here is quite a blessing."

"(Tiger) is obviously a huge reason I'm out here, and I'm really appreciative of that."

Hossler not only caught the eye of the 14-time major champion, but has been recognized in public at Macy's and fast-food chain Jack In The Box. Despite the increased attention from people of all backgrounds, Hossler knows the game remains the same. 

"The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself," he said. "I've got to go out there, and like I said, I've got to play the golf course. I'm not worried about where I'm playing. I've still got to go out there and take care of business."

While he still has a 14-month wait until he heads off to the University of Texas in August 2013, Hossler took from the U.S. Open the confidence he might develop into a successful professional.

"Obviously I know I'm not quite to their level yet, but I feel like I can potentially be there in the future if I keep working hard," he said. "It's good to see a little precursor of what I need to have in my array of shots.  I feel like I can do it but I've just got to get more consistent."