Qualifying for the US Open
June 6, 2008 by Sandy Mitchell
The field is set for the 2008 US Open, which begins at Torrey Pines in San Diego on June 12. Of the 156 golfers, 72 are exempt from qualifying. This includes eight past champions (US Open champions are exempt for 10 years.)
A record 8390 golfers applied for the remaining 84 positions. Any professional or amateur golfer with a USGA handicap of 1.4 or less is eligible to try. The first qualifying 18-hole qualifying round was held in May at 111 sites in the United States, Great Britain, and Japan. Five hundred and fifty players advanced to the second round.
The second, 36-hole sectional qualifying rounds were held on May 26 and June 2 to determine the final 84 qualifiers. Just one percent of those attempting to qualify for the US Open made it. Good job guys!