Ex-jockey's son qualifies for US Open as Ian Poulter's son and McDowell miss out
Luke Poulter, the amateur golfer and son of Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter, has seen his dreams of making a major debut at next week's US Open dashed after losing in the final qualifying play-off.
The 21-year-old, who suffered a back fracture just a year ago that kept him out of action for seven months, tied for fourth place on 10 under in an 81-man event at Emerald Dunes in West Palm Beach, Florida.
This led to a head-to-head showdown with Austen Truslow, a professional since 2015 with PGA Tour experience, where he was defeated by a birdie in the second extra hole.
Poulter, currently studying at the University of Florida, had reached seven under through 21 holes before play was suspended due to poor weather on Monday. He returned to card a bogey-free 65 – which included an eagle and five birdies – for the second-best score of the final round.
"I can't believe how impressive today's 65 was to get into that position," Poulter's dad Ian posted on Instagram.
"We keep using this as incredible experience and we keep getting better. An alternate spot but not sure what number it will be."
Ryder Cup victor Nicolai Hojgaard finished two shots outside the play-off, while 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell was five adrift.
Poulter had hoped to emulate fellow English amateur and second-year student at Florida State University Tyler Weaver, who secured his first major appearance with one of five qualifying spots in the 83-man field at Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta on Monday.
Bury St Edmunds' 22 year old golf ace, who's teeing off for the International Team at this week's Palmer Cup, clinched a remarkable victory over seasoned pros like Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner with an 11-under total. He will now compete against the likes of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Shane Lowry at the US Open.
Weaver, ecstatic about his performance, said: "It's been a really positive season for me so far with some good results, but this is definitely up there with my biggest achievement," and he's set to have his brother Max caddying for him in the upcoming matches.
He went on to express his excitement about playing in one of golf's most prestigious events, stating: "Playing in a major championship is a dream of mine and still hasn't quite set in that I will be teeing it up at Oakmont this year."
Weaver is the son of former Classic winning jockey and ITV Racing pundit Jason Weaver.
Meanwhile, fellow English golfer Matt Wallace is gearing up for his first US Open in four years after triumphing at Ontario's Lambton Golf and Country Club, securing one of seven coveted spots with a solid seven-under, highlighted by impressive rounds of 67 and 66.
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