Four Punch Tickets To Chambers Bay

Luke Donald, Jack Maguire (a), Andrew Pope, and Sam Horsfield (a) have advanced to the 115th U.S. Open Championship. The sectional qualifying event was conducted by the Florida State Golf Association at The Bear’s Club, in Jupiter, on Monday, June 8th.

Luke Donald, 37, of England, posted rounds of 72-68-140, to earn one of the four qualifying spots. Donald, who is currently the 63rd ranked player in the world, opened up with an even par round of 72. In the final round, Donald turned at 35, and used birdies on 10, 11, 13, and 15 to secure his spot at Chambers Bay. The former number one player in the world will be looking to capture his first Major Championship in two weeks.

Jack Maguire, 20, of Saint Petersburg, qualified for his first U.S. Open Championship after rounds of 70-70 for a tournament total of four-under par 140. Maguire, who will be entering his junior year at Florida State University, played steady all day long. Maguire’s putting was the key to his game, carding 11 birdies on the day.  Maguire, who is currently the 43rd ranked amateur in the world, will also be representing the USA in the Palmer Cup later this this summer.

Andrew Pope, 31, of Orlando, fired a first round of one-over par 73 to put himself into contention entering the afternoon round. Pope, who is a full time player on the Web.com tour, would get hot in the afternoon to punch his ticket to Chambers Bay. Pope opened up his final 18 with birdies on 10, 13, 15, and 18 to turn at 33. He continued his solid play with birdies on 1, 4, and 7 to go along with only one bogey en route to a five-under par 67. This will be Pope’s first trip to the U.S. Open.

Sam Horsfield, 18, of Davenport, earned the fourth and final spot to Chambers Bay. After rounds of 72-69, Horsfield would find himself in a playoff with Cristobal Del Solar for the final spot.  Horsfield would make the biggest putt of his career making a 17 footer on the second playoff hole to go to the U.S. Open. Horsfield is a past FSGA State Boys' Junior Champion and FSGA State Amateur Champion, and he will be attending the University of Florida in the fall to play for the Gators.

Cristobal Del Solar, of Tallahassee, was the first alternate, and Ryan Orr, of Belleair, was the second alternate. Collin Pratt, of Santa Fe, N.M. provided another shot of the day with an albatross on the 10th hole. Amazingly enough, it was his second swing of the day!

The United States Open Championship will be conducted at Chambers Bay, in University Place, Washington on June 18-21. Click here for more information regarding the championship.