June 5, 2017
Complete sectional qualifying results
THE FLATS – Georgia Tech All-American Stewart Cink became the third former Yellow Jacket to make the field for next week’s 117th United States Open Championship after qualifying for the championship Monday in Columbus, Ohio.
Cink, the 2009 British Open champion with six career victories on the PGA Tour, tied for fourth place Monday, earning one of 14 qualifying spots in the 122-player field. The Duluth, Ga., resident shot 66 at The Lakes Golf and Country Club and 68 at Brookside Golf and Country Club. The 1995 Tech graduate will play in his 20th U.S. Open and first since 2014, joining Roberto Castro and Matt Kuchar, who had exemptions after qualifying for last year’s PGA Tour Championship.
“It means a lot to be playing in the National Open again,” Cink said afterward. “I have a long career. I should say I am having a long career, and majors are my focus now. I love the majors. I love the challenge of the U.S. Open. I don’t know anything about Erin Hills, but I know the U.S. Open is going to be a good test.”
Read complete story on Cink’s day
He was one of three players competing in Columbus. Current PGA Tour pros Ollie Schniederjans, who shot 67-70 and finished one shot shy of a playoff for the final qualifying spot, and Cameron Tringale (74-67) came up short.
All-American J.T. Griffin fired a 6-under-par 66 to grab the 18-hole lead at Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, Ga., but tied for third and lost a playoff to get the second alternate position. Only two spots were available in the 36-player field, in which rising senior James Clark shot 73-76 and tied for 23rd.
Other former Jackets attempting to qualify Monday but coming up short were Troy Matteson (68-69) in Dallas, Texas, Nicholas Thompson (69-75) in Rockville, Md., and Richy Werenski (69-72) in Summit, N.J. Rising senior Michael Pisciotta withdrew in Memphis, Tenn., after carding a 75 in the opening round.
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH GOLF
Georgia Tech’s golf team is in its 23rd year under head coach Bruce Heppler. The Yellow Jackets have won 16 Atlantic Coast Conference Championships, made 28 appearances in the NCAA Championship and been the national runner-up four times. Connect with Georgia Tech Golf on social media by liking their Facebook page, or following on Twitter (@GT_Golf) and Instagram. For more information on Tech golf, visit Ramblinwreck.com.
