Wanted U.S. Open Spot More Than I Thought

You’d think I’d be fine not getting one of two spots at a U.S. Open sectional qualifier. The odds are not good. So, what’s the big deal?

The USGA received a record number of entries---9,086---the biggest since 2005. Golfers from 50 states, the District of Columbia and 71 foreign countries competed. It was a feat just making it through the local qualifying with only three spots open.

I had my hopes up going in to the last three holes as I was tracking well at -2. But, I probably got ahead of myself and the rest is history. Because I could see I might make it the way I was playing, missing a spot stung a bit more. You know, the “if onlys”….

Great experience though. Besides getting close, I’ll remember it as the day that Canadians grabbed the two spots---amateur whiz Nick Taylor and my buddy Andrew Parr. A good sign of better things to come for Canada at the PGA level.

Soggy, Windy US Open Golf Local Qualifier, Brookesville, Florida

It was hard yesterday. Really wet and windy all the time. Thunderstorms threatening. The course was playing long.

With a strong field and a “blizzard” of rain going sideways, it was not looking good. I had no idea how many would make it and figured if I made par I might be lucky to be in a playoff.

Fortunately, I made some birdies in the last few holes to cinch one of the three spots. I was surprised that there weren’t more positions open. Grateful I made it.

Funny about these qualifiers. The food “sucks”. Hardly anything available at the golf club. Part of the territory, I guess.