2024 US Open final qualifiers have concluded and the excitement about is palpable, as it marks the end of an arduous journey for many hopeful golfers. Known as “Golf’s Longest Day,” this final qualifying stage is both a test of skill and endurance, spreading across 10 locations in the US and Canada.
The competition saw a mix of seasoned professionals and ambitious amateurs vying for a coveted spot in one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. With 44 spots available from these grueling 36-hole qualifiers, the field is now set. Let’s delve into who made it and who fell short, highlighting the dramatic stories and notable performances from this intense day of golf.
Who Made It?
The US Open, one of the four major championships in golf, is renowned for its challenging courses and the diverse field it attracts. The road to qualification is a testament to the resilience and talent of the players.
This year, out of the 10,000-plus entrants, only 687 golfers advanced to the final qualifying rounds. From these, a select 67 have now earned their place at Pinehurst No. 2, joining the already exempt 85 players. 23 of them got in through the three earliest qualifiers in England, Japan and Texas. The 44 remaining were distributed during “Golf’s Longest Day.”
The final qualifiers are not just about making it to the US Open; they are a showcase of dreams, near-misses, and remarkable achievements. This year’s qualifiers brought forth a plethora of stories, from seasoned pros like Adam Scott facing the agony of defeat to unknown amateurs seizing their moment in the spotlight.
Summit, N.J. (Canoe Brook Country Club)
Ben James and Max Greyserman topped the leaderboard here, both showcasing outstanding play. James, the fifth-ranked amateur in the world, rebounded from a controversial penalty in the NCAA to secure his spot with rounds of 67-64. Greyserman, a PGA Tour player, surged with a back-nine 28, securing his place with a stunning second-round 64.
Jim Herman, a three-time PGA Tour winner, clinched the final spot after a tense playoff, marking his sixth US Open appearance. The big story of disappointment was Chris Gotterup, who narrowly missed the cut after a final-hole double bogey.
Woodmont Country Club, Rockville, Md.
Tim Widing and Isaiah Salinda, both Korn Ferry Tour players, emerged as surprise qualifiers. Widing has been on a roll with back-to-back wins on the Korn Ferry Tour, while Salinda secured his place with a win earlier this year.
Amateur Wells Williams completed the trio of qualifiers, finishing just behind the leaders. Notable players who missed out included Marc Leishman and Sebastian Munoz, both falling short in the final stretch.
The Golf Club of Georgia, Alpharetta, Ga.
Amateurs dominated here with Jackson Buchanan and Frederik Kjettrup making the cut. Buchanan, the Big Ten Golfer of the Year, delivered a stellar performance with rounds of 64-67. Kjettrup, from Florida State, impressed with consistent play.
Chris Petefish joined the amateurs, rounding out the qualifiers. Big names like Ollie Schniederjans and Hudson Swafford failed to make the grade.
Duke University Golf Club, Durham, N.C.
Former US Open champion Webb Simpson secured his place with a strong finish, closing with four birdies in his final six holes. Frankie Capan, Brian Campbell, and Sam Bennett also made the cut, with Capan topping the leaderboard.
The qualifiers were completed by Chesson Hadley, Carter Jenkins, and Harry Higgs, who triumphed in a playoff. Disappointments included Miles Russell, the 15-year-old prodigy, and Harold Varner III.
Cherry Hill Club, Ontario, Canada
Mark Hubbard led the pack with an impressive 15-under total, continuing his solid PGA Tour form. Canadian Adam Svensson also made it through, along with Rico Hoey, who overcame recent struggles to qualify.
Davis Thompson, Greyson Sigg, and Aaron Rai rounded out the qualifiers, with Rai making a remarkable comeback in his second round. Notables who missed out included Keith Mitchell and Stewart Cink.
Ohio State University Golf Club, Columbus, Ohio
An emotional Justin Lower topped the leaderboard, securing his first major championship start. Seamus Power shared medalist honors, both finishing at 10-under. Brendon Todd, Chris Naegel, and amateur Gunnar Broin also qualified.
Big names missing out included Luke List, Hayden Buckley, and Jhonattan Vegas.
The Bear’s Club, Jupiter, Fla.
Veteran Matt Kuchar led the qualifiers, marking his 21st US Open appearance. Daniel Berger, Dean Burmester, and amateur Luke Clanton also made the cut, with Burmester being one of the few LIV Golf members to qualify.
Willie Mack clinched the final spot in a playoff, while big names like Joaquin Niemann and Graeme McDowell missed out.
Springfield Country Club, Springfield, Ohio
The highlight here was a playoff between Adam Scott and Cameron Davis with Davis emerging victorious. Zac Blair and Beau Hossler also made it through, along with Carson Schaake.
Scott’s loss in the playoff was a significant upset, ending his streak of major appearances.
Pronghorn Resort, Bend, Ore.
Joey Vrzich and amateur Colin Prater secured the two available spots. Vrzich, playing on the PGA Tour Americas, delivered a consistent performance, while Prater, a high school science teacher, provided one of the feel-good stories of the qualifiers.
Lake Merced Golf Club, Daly City, Calif.
David Puig, a LIV Golf member, led the qualifiers with a strong second round. Amateur Omar Morales followed closely, along with John Chin and Charles Reiter.
This qualifier saw Matt Jones and Taylor Montgomery among those who didn’t make the cut.
US Open final qualifiers: Notable Stories and Surprises
The qualifying rounds were filled with dramatic stories and unexpected outcomes. Jim Herman’s playoff victory and Justin Lower’s emotional qualification were among the highlights. The story of Colin Prater, a high school teacher qualifying for his first major, captivated many.
On the flip side, big names like Adam Scott, Joaquin Niemann, and Marc Leishman faced the agony of missing out the 2024 US Open. Scott’s playoff loss to Cameron Davis was particularly poignant, ending his incredible streak of major appearances.
The performance of amateurs was another notable aspect, with several young talents like Jackson Buchanan, Frederik Kjettrup, and Wells Williams making their mark. These stories highlight the unpredictability and drama that make the US Open qualifiers a unique spectacle in the world of golf.
The end of the US Open qualifying rounds has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting tournament at Pinehurst No. 2. From seasoned professionals to rising amateurs, the field is now complete, and the journey to the 2024 US Open is about to begin. As we look forward to the main event, these qualifiers remind us of the passion, perseverance, and unpredictability that define the sport of golf.
For More Golf Content & News:
Subscribe to our Free Golf Notifications for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and much more. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in golf news, click here! You can also find us on Social Media…
Instagram –> @almostaveragegolf
Tik Tok –> @almost_average_golf
