The U.S. Open Sectional qualifying tournament will take place today at Oakmont CC Glendale, as 94 hopefuls battle it out for five spots in the highly regarded national golf event. The tournament will consist of 36 holes, as the participants aim to make it to the 111th U.S. Open on June 16-19 at Congressional CC in Bethesda, MD. There are 35 amateurs, 58 professionals and 1 amateur awaiting reinstatement participating.
Two PGA Tour members, Charlie Wi (the 1995 SCGA Amateur Champion) and Bio Kim, lead the field which also includes former 2007 SCGA Amateur Champion Brett Kanda, who will be playing on his home course, and former California State Amateur Champion Harry Rudolph, who recently turned professional.
A number of participants are also competing in the NCAA Division I finals, taking place now through June 5 in Stillwater, OK. They are: Matt Hansen (UC Davis), Max Homa (UC Berkeley), Steve Lim (USC), J.J. Spaun (San Diego St), Martin Trainer (USC), Scott Pinckney (Arizona State), Eric Mina (UC Berkeley) and Andrew Putnam (Pepperdine).
Also in the field are Southern California amateur standouts Daniel Miernicki (University of Oregon), Jake Sarnoff (LMU and the 2011 Pasadena City Champion), Andrew Perez (2011 California Community College Champion from College of the Desert), and the youngest player in the field, Beau Hossler, Jr. from Rancho Santa Margarita. Hossler, Jr., a 16 year old high school sophomore at Santa Margarita HS, will have a busy week as he will be competing in the State High School Championship two days later at Poppy Hills Golf Course.
Spectators are welcome but must adhere to the following dress code:
Spectators and media must be properly attired in golf shirts, slacks, bermuda-length dress or golf shorts. Cargo shorts or pants with exterior pockets are not permitted. Jeans (any color or any kind), denim, cut off shorts, sweatpants, T-shirts and tank tops will not be permitted. Hats are to be worn forward at all times. Shirts must be tucked in. All clothing must be in good repair.
There are five qualifying spots up for grabs. You can view pairings, here.
Media interested in attending should contact Eric Noland at enoland@scga.org
Click here for more sectional information from the USGA.
