US Open Qualifying: The Biggest Names Who Missed Out
Man, what a whirlwind of a US Open qualifying! Ten sites across the country – plus a few international spots – hosted 36-hole qualifiers on what they call “Golf’s Longest Day.” It’s a grueling test, and honestly, this year saw some real shockers. The field for Oakmont is nearly set, but some seriously big names won't be competing for that coveted US Open trophy.
The Absences That Hurt
Let’s start with the heavy hitters who won't be teeing it up. Tiger Woods, due to his ongoing injury struggles, is missing his fourth US Open in five years. A ruptured Achilles has sidelined him, leaving a big hole in the field. It’s always sad to see such a legend miss out.
Sergio Garcia’s incredible 25-year US Open run ended in Dallas. He came up just short of a playoff, a real heartbreaker for a player of his caliber. And speaking of heartbreak, Max Homa’s streak of 21 consecutive Major appearances came to an end after a tough final hole and playoff loss. I've gotta say, it was a tense moment.
Rickie Fowler, also in that nail-biting Ohio playoff, missed the cut, too. Will Zalatoris and Billy Horschel are out due to back and hip surgeries respectively. Alex Noren also missed his chance, a player with a solid US Open history. Even Luke Clanton, a rising star, couldn't crack the field in his first professional attempt.
The Unexpected Qualifiers
But the story isn't just about the absences; it's also about the remarkable stories of those who did make it through. Seventeen-year-old Mason Howell, a high school junior from Georgia, absolutely crushed the qualifying round in Atlanta, shooting an unbelievable 18-under-par! Honestly, that's jaw-dropping. He's going to Oakmont!
And then there were other Cinderella stories. Matt Vogt, a former caddie at Oakmont itself, qualified in Washington. Talk about a dream come true! Other qualifiers included Marc Leishman and Carlos Ortiz from LIV Golf. A handful of other players pulled off amazing come-from-behind wins to secure their spots.
The LIV Golf Contingent
The LIV Golf players were in full force at qualifying, though not all made it through. While some, like Leishman and Ortiz, secured their spots, many others, including big names like Sergio Garcia and Talor Gooch, couldn't quite make the cut. This adds another layer of intrigue to this year's US Open.
- Some LIV players who missed out: Abraham Ancer, George Bryan, Wesley Bryan, Dean Burmester, Stewart Cink, Jason Dufner, Alex Fitzpatrick, Branden Grace, Padraig Harrington, Lucas Herbert, Beau Hossler, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Matteo Manassero, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Francesco Molinari, Thomas Pieters, Mito Pereira, David Puig, Patrick Rodgers, Harold Varner III, Bubba Watson, and Lee Westwood.
It’s interesting to see how the landscape is shifting with the LIV Golf players' participation in these qualifiers.
Oakmont Awaits
So, while several notable players will be watching from home, the stage is set for an exciting US Open at Oakmont. It will be fascinating to see who emerges victorious amongst this unique blend of established stars and unexpected contenders. The drama of US Open qualifying has certainly set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling tournament!
Check out the full list of qualifiers and keep following this year's US Open journey!
