Jordan Smith came out on top at U.S. Open Final Qualifying at Walton Heath as eight players secured their spot for the third men’s Major Championship of the year.
The Englishman, who has two DP World Tour wins to his name, carded rounds of 64-70 to reach ten under par after 36 holes at the Surrey venue as each competitor played one round on each of the Old and New Courses, and he will now make his third U.S. Open appearance at Oakmont Country Club from June 12-15.
“I’m really, really happy,” said Smith. “I am really looking forward to that week. I have heard that it is going to be absolutely brutal, they don’t want any under par scores winning so it’s going to be good fun, a good test and I’m just really happy with how I played today and how the game helped me out.
“I have been playing good for the last couple of months. It was all sort of getting it together on the right week. It was probably one of my best putting displays for a long time today so that always helps but I did feel confident coming into the day.
“I can’t remember anything about 2016 (when Oakmont last hosted the U.S. Open) because my memory is terrible. I am going to try and get there fairly early, have a couple of practice rounds because it is going to be tricked up with the rough and you are going to need to know where to miss if you do end up in the rough, and there will probably be some slick putts. I am just really looking forward to it.”
Four-time DP World Tour winner Guido Migliozzi followed up his first round 68 with a five under 67 to finish on nine under par, and he will be targeting another strong performance at the U.S. Open after recording a tied fourth place in 2021 at Torrey Pines.
“It's been a long day and a battle, a bit of a roller coaster today on the course but overall it’s been a great day,” he said. “I'm pleased that I could do it and go back to one of my favourite tournaments.
“I was a little bit upset after the bogey-bogey finish to the first 18 holes, but it happens: you can have great breaks or bad breaks. Overall, we had another 18 holes ahead, so I’m pleased that I started the second round strong at four under par after four holes. That gave me some confidence to go through the other holes but there was pressure as well. It was a great day.
“I’ve never played (Oakmont) but it’s the atmosphere, the conditions of the golf course that is incredible and I’m so happy I will go back. Hopefully I will have fun and try to go as low as I can.”
The Italian was joined on nine under by Frenchman Frederic Lacroix and Swede Joakim Lagergren, who will both be making their Major Championship debuts in Oakmont.
Sam Bairstow, who qualified for the 2024 U.S. Open through this event, repeated that feat after a crucial birdie at the 36th hole saw him move to eight under par and avoid the prospect of a play-off.
Extra holes were eventually required to decide the three remaining places and the two alternate spots. Six competitors finished on seven under par, with Ryder Cup Vice Captain Edoardo Molinari, who also came through qualifying at Walton Heath last year, Jacques Kruyswijk and Andrea Pavan earning their spot in the U.S. Open field after two extra holes, while Matthew Jordan and Robin Williams claimed the alternate spots.
