Robert Rock and Matteo Manassero secured their spots in the upcoming U.S. Open after coming through Final Qualifying at Walton Heath. Rock, who had taken a break from playing on the DP World Tour, qualified with rounds played over both the Old and New Courses. Manassero, on the other hand, will be making his first Major Championship appearance since 2016. The Italian was one of nine players to secure their spots in the field for the U.S. Open, which will be held at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina from June 13th – 16th.
Alongside Rock and Manassero, English pair Richard Mansell and Brandon Robinson-Thompson, as well as Scotland’s Grant Forrest, finished at the top of the leaderboard after posting impressive totals over their two rounds. Sam Bairstow of England also secured his Major debut as a professional by finishing at nine under alongside Rock. This opportunity marks a significant return for Rock to the Major stage, as he expressed his surprise at qualifying when he thought it was his last chance to play in the event.
In a separate US Qualifier played at Dallas Athletic Club in Texas, Francesco Molinari, brother of Enrico Molinari, qualified in tied fourth with solid rounds of 68 and 70. The leading score was 7 under by Nicolas Echavarria, with Eugenio Lopez Chacarra of Spain in tied second. Unfortunately, Spain’s Sergio Garcia missed out on qualifying and fell at the first hole of a playoff. However, as the number one alternate, Garcia is hopeful to continue his streak of 24 consecutive appearances in the US Open.
Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, where the U.S. Open will be held, has a rich history of hosting key tournaments, including the U.S. Open & U.S. Women’s Open Championships in 2014, 1999, and 2005. The course has also hosted the Ryder Cup Matches in 1951, the PGA Championship in 1936, and the PGA TOUR Championship in 1991 and 1992. Additionally, the U.S. Amateur has been held at Pinehurst in 1962, 2008, and 2019, showcasing the venue’s significance in the world of golf.
The U.S. Open Final Qualifiers will continue to be held in the US on June 3rd, where more players will have the opportunity to secure their spots in the prestigious Major Championship. With an array of talented golfers showcasing their skills and determination to qualify, the event promises to be an exciting and competitive one. The legacy of Pinehurst as a renowned golf destination adds to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the upcoming U.S. Open, where players like Rock and Manassero will be looking to make their mark on the Major stage.
