The first US Open Local Qualifier took place at Wichita Country Club on May 9th. 48 players battled for three qualifying spots to move on to sectional qualifying for this year’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills GC in New York.
Sam Stevens took the first qualifying spot with an incredible eight-under, 64, and claimed medalist honors for the low round of the day by two shots. Stevens’ round was highlighted by seven birdies and an eagle on the Par-5, 18th hole. The second qualifying spot was secured by Kristoffer Ventura with an impressive six-under, 66. With only two bogeys, Ventura hit eight birdies on the day to finish only two strokes behind Stevens.
Austin Woody, Christopher Tidland, Cameron Bishop and Nick Heinen all tied for third with 4-under 68 rounds for the day and a playoff was required to determine the final qualifying spot as well as two alternate spots. After all four players carded a par on the first play-off hole, Woody was able to claim the third and final qualifying spot with a birdie on the second. Heinen, Bishop and Christopher Tidland continued on after all making par for the two remaining alternate spots.
The playoff continued for two more holes between Tidland and Heinen after Bishop bogeyed the third to fall out of contention and Tidland and Heinen both pared. Tidland was able to par the fourth play-off hole while Heinen unfortunately finished with a bogey, giving Tidland the first alternate spot. Heinen finished as the second alternate.
For a full field of results see here.
The second US Open Local qualifier was held Monday, May 14th at the Golf Club of Creekmoor. The field consisted of 51 players fighting for three qualifying spots and two alternates to move on to sectional qualifying.
Alex Springer and Justin Bardgett both shot an even par 72 on the day to tie for first and claim the top two qualifying spots. Springer’s round was highlighted by two birdies on the day with only two bogeys. Bardgett also shot a consistent round with two bogeys and two birdies with both birdies coming on par 5’s. Their even par 72 rounds were enough to beat out t he field by one stroke.
Ryan Argotsinger and Linus Lilliedahl rounded out the top four, both shooting a plus-one 73 round. Argotsinger’s round was a little more up and down, but his four birdies on the day kept him in it and gave him a chance to battle in a playoff for the final qualifying spot. Lilliedahl also shot four birdies on the day to keep him in contention to move on to sectional qualifying.
After a one-hole playoff, Argotsinger claimed the final qualifying spot with a birdie on #10 over Lilliedahl. Lilliedahl finished as the first alternate. Travis Mays claimed the last alternate spot with his round of 74 (+2).
For a full field of results see here.
The top three qualifiers from both US Open Local Qualifiers will move on to sectional qualifying in hopes of landing a coveted spot at this year’s US Open. We wish the local talent all the luck in moving forward.