U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Results
The U.S. Open field is rounding into form upon the completion of Monday’s sectional qualifiers.
The U.S. Open Monday qualifiers — two of the sites had Tuesday morning playoffs — added dozens of players to the Erin Hills field. Garnering the most attention out of them all was the affable Steve Stricker.
The 50-year-old has reduced his playing schedule in recent years to spend more time with his family, but he’s gone gung-ho in attempts to qualify for Erin Hills in his home state of Wisconsin.
“That’s the only reason that’s driving me, really,” Stricker is quoted in an ESPN article by Bob Harig. “It’s there in my home state.”
Stricker is slated to tee it up at the PGA TOUR’s FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis in what will be his fifth start in as many weeks. The world No. 84 has played as much as possible in attempts to crack the top 60.
He even asked the USGA for an exemption and was turned away. A high bar is set for an exemption as two-time U.S. Open champ Retief Goosen in 2016 was the first since Vijay Singh and Tom Watson received one in 2010.
It’s all moot now.
“Stricks,” as he’s known on Tour, not only grabbed one of the nine spots available at the Memphis qualifier, but he earned medalist honors.
It’s fitting that the first U.S. Open in Wisconsin will welcome its native son.
Read on to see who else will be making the trek to Erin, Wisconsin, courtesy of a Monday in golf only a U.S. Open playoff can top.