STORY AND LINK: SCGA members do well in U.S. Open local qualifying

SCGA members — current and past — have done well during the first week of U.S. Open local qualifying. The local events lead to 36-hole Sectional Qualifying (each 36 holes) that will take place on May 25 in England and Japan and on June 8 at 13 U.S. sites, including Saticoy CC in Somis. Those who survive that round move on to the U.S. Open June 18-21 at the Bethpage Black Course in New York City.

Among the SCGA members who advanced through local qualifiers already conducted (others take place next week, including Monday at San Diego CC and Annandale GC in Pasadena and Tuesday at Industry Hills GC and North Ranch CC):

• At La Purisima GC in Lompoc: Andrew Perez, who the day before had won the Southern California Community College Championship, shot even-par 72 at La Purisima to earn one of six qualifying spots.

• At Yolo Fliers Club in Woodland (outside of Sacramento): Austin Graham of San Clemente (and UC Davis), who finished third in last year’s SCGA Amateur, was medalist with a 67.<br>

• At Ruby Hill GC in Pleasanton:Scott Travers of Lake Forest was medalist with a 68. Former three-time SCGA Amateur champion Scott McGihon qualified with a 70.

• At Towson G&CC in Phoenix: Former UCLA star Chris Heintz qualified with a 67.

• At Half Moon Bay Resort: Justin Warthen of Arroyo Grande qualified with a 73. His brother, Josh, was second alternate after a 74.

• At French Lick Resort in Indiana: 2003 California Amateur and 2006 Pacific Coast Amateur champion Patrick Nagle of Pacifica shot 69 to qualify (yes, I know he wasn't an SCGA member but he was one of my favorite NCGA guys).

• At Bermuda Dunes CC: Reigning NCAA Amateur champion Erik Flores of UCLA was medalist with a 67, while Bryan Harris of Newport Beach qualified with a 68.

• At Mayacama GC in Santa Rosa: 2008 SCGA Mid-Amateur champion Jeff Wilson shot 71 and Erik Thorson of Westlake Village shot 72 to earn spots in Sectional Qualifying.

• At Newport Beach CC: Pasadena’s Dan Sullivan shot 67 to tie for medalist honors.

For a complete list of local qualifiers so far, click HERE.