The US Open is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, attracting players from all parts of the globe. The participants of this year’s US Open, held from June 12th to 15th at Oakmont Country Club, have been finalized. Particularly noticeable is the absence of Sergio Garcia, who is not participating in the US Open for the first time since 1999.
Sergio Garcia narrowly misses the US Open
The Spanish LIV golfer qualified for the US Open every year since 1999. This year, that tradition ends with a close second round. The first round of qualifying went promisingly for Sergio Garcia with seven birdies and only one bogey. Unfortunately, he couldn’t repeat this strong performance in the second round. Sergio Garcia played a round alternating between four birdies and four bogeys, resulting in an even-par round. The final score of six strokes under par is just one stroke too many to qualify for the tournament.
Qualification for the US Open
The US Open, as the name suggests, is an open tournament. Every pro or amateur with a handicap index of 0.4 or lower can register to compete for a spot in the U.S. Open. Qualification happens in two phases: The local qualification was held at over 110 locations in late April and early May and consists of 18 holes. Players who passed this phase then advanced to the final qualification with 36 holes in one day. This final qualifying round is also known as “the longest day in golf.”
Who succeeded on the Longest Day?
Among the players who managed to qualify is Edoardo Molinari, who prevailed at Walton Heath Golf Club in England. Erik van Rooyen and Cameron Young secured their spots at Kinsale Golf and Fitness Club in Ohio, USA. Matt Wallace and Victor Perez qualified for the major at Lambton Golf & Country Club in Canada.
The qualifying tournament at Emerald Dunes Golf Club in Florida is still ongoing, and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard still has a chance to secure a spot in the US Open.
US Open without these golf stars
Unfortunately, several prominent names like Sergio Garcia, Rickie Fowler, Padraig Harrington, and Max Homa failed to secure a spot in this year’s U.S. Open.