Erik van Rooyen was the lone South African to qualify for the US Open via the American sectional qualifiers on Monday at Brookside Golf & Country Club and Scioto Country Club.
US OPEN: 3 Saffas book place in England
The in-form European Tour player, who was SA’s best at last year’s Open Championship and the 2019 PGA Championship, made the most of his visit Stateside as one of 14 players to punch a ticket to Pebble Beach for the 119th US Open.
With 121 players, including the likes of Luke Donald, Rory Sabbatini, Cameron Champ and Ryan Moore at the venue, Van Rooyen left himself a mountain to climb after an opening 73 around the Brookside layout.
The South African made a steady to start to his second round with three birdies on his outward nine, but a second bogey of the day at the turn left him in a precarious position.
His response was perfect as he launched into a birdie tirade with four gains on the bounce.
A par at 15 was backed up by his eighth birdie of the day as he moved into the qualifying places, where he stayed.
Countryman Daniel van Tonder missed out after rounds of 73-71.
Qualifiers at Brookside Golf & Country Club and Scioto Country Club:
1. Luke Guthrie, 67-64
2. Anirban Lahiri, 65-67
3. Sam Saunders, 69-64
4. Jhonattan Vegas, 68-66
5. Rory Sabbatini, 69-66
6. Jason Dufner, 71-65
T7. Chesson Hadley, 68-69
T7. Erik Van Rooyen, 64-73
T7. Luke Donald, 71-66
T7. Aaron Baddeley, 67-70
T7. a-Brandon Wu, 70-67
T7. Ryan Fox, 67-70
T7. a-Collin Morikawa, 66-71
T7. Kyoung-Hoon Lee, 69-68
At Bent Tree Country Club & Northwood Club, Martin Maritz failed to qualify.
At RattleSnake Point Golf Club, Dylan Frittelli failed to qualify.
At Wine Valley Golf Club, Ian Snyman failed to qualify.
