DeChambeau Qualifies For 2015 U.S. Open
Jun 8 | Men's Golf
COLUMBUS, Ohio (SMU/USGA) -- SMU junior Bryson DeChambeau qualified for the 2015 U.S. Open by tying for third at the sectional qualifier in Columbus, Ohio, on Monday. DeChambeau carded an 11-under par 133 over 36 holes to land a spot in the field.
The 115th edition of the U.S. Open is taking place at Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington, June 18-21. A total of 15 players qualified from the Columbus sectional, helping comprise the 156-player U.S. Open.
DeChambeau shot a 6-under 66 over the first 18 holes, closing his round with three straight birdies. He then quickly took the lead of the event early in round 2, opening with four consecutive birdies and five over his first six holes. DeChambeau led by as many as three shots on the field before finishing the back nine at even par, totaling a 5-under 67.
DeChambeau was the only amateur to qualify from the Columbus sectional. A selection of the nation's best collegiate golfers were in the field, including national player of the year Maverick McNealy of Stanford and Hunter Stewart of Vanderbilt. PGA Tour members Camilo Villegas, Bo Van Pelt and Alex Cejka were among those who also qualified out of Columbus, while many notable professional golfers did not make the cut, including Nick Watney, Rory Sabbatini, Steve Stricker, Vijay Singh and Mike Weir.
Former Mustang Kelly Kraft was in the top 15 for much of the day, but slipped late to finish tied for 36th at 3-under.
DeChambeau is continuing to have a busy two weeks. The Clovis, California, native won the NCAA Individual Championship on June 1, and will play his first PGA Tour event at the FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind in Memphis beginning Thursday.
USGA - Road to the U.S. Open
Each year, thousands of competitors set their sights on the U.S. Open and apply to play in the championship. They are professionals and amateurs, teenagers to seniors, coming from all walks of life and representing more than 75 countries. This year, their dream is to tee it up at Chambers Bay, in University Place, Wash., and be a part of the first U.S. Open to be played in the Pacific Northwest.
The process of determining the final field of 156 players is a major undertaking. It starts with roughly 10,000 entrants and proceeds through two stages of qualifying, local and sectional. While there are exemptions from qualifying for players who have earned that privilege, the vast majority of U.S. Open hopefuls must start their journey at the local qualifying stage.
Players who survive qualifying will compete alongside the biggest names in golf on one of the game's grandest stages. The U.S. Open remains a championship that is truly open to anyone with the desire and the ability to play at the highest level.
