ORLANDO – UCF junior Johnny Travale moved one step closer on the road to the 121st U.S. Open Championship on Monday, winning the local qualifier at Shingle Creek Golf Club in Orlando, Florida with a 68(-4) 18-hole score.
The local qualifier was one of 110 sites in 43 U.S. states and Canada between April 26-May 18. As the winner, Travale will advance to the final qualifier in either Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida, Rolling Hills in California, Or Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, Georgia. All qualifiers would be played on June 7 regardless. The championship proper is set to be contested June 17-20.
"I was feeling pretty confident today having [UCF Men's Golf Head Coach] Bryce with me caddying today," said Travale. "He is always super calculated and helps me feel confident in the decisions we make out there.
"It means a lot to move on and give myself a chance to qualify for the U.S. Open. It's pretty exciting and should be really fun come June 7."
Several U.S. Open champions have advanced to the championship through both local and final qualifying at some point in their careers, including Lucas Glover, David Graham, Lou Graham, Hale Irwin, Tony Jacklin, Lee Janzen, Tom Kite, Johnny Miller, Corey Pavin, Curtis Strange, Lee Trevino, Gary Woodland and Fuzzy Zoeller.
Before Travale is set to play in his next U.S. Open qualifier, he will first represent UCF as an individual in the NCAA Tallahassee Regional from May 17-19. The low five teams and the low individual not on those teams from each regional will advance to the finals in Scottsdale, Arizona, from May 28 – June 2.
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