03-06-2025
UAE-based Thorbjorn Olesen powers through epic qualifier to punch U.S. Open ticket
Grit, heartbreak, and the odd twist of fate were on full display Monday as golf's 'Longest Day' lived up to its billing.
Across 10 sites and 47 available spots, players from all walks of life and countries including the UAE-based Dane Thorbjorn Olsen earned his ticket in Canada, where seven spots were available due to the PGA Tour's concurrent presence.
The Danish golfer resides in Dubai with his family, having moved here around 2023. He has expressed that living in the UAE allows him to spend more time with his family and significantly improve his game.
Other qualifiers included a 17-year-old high schooler and even a practising dentist - who secured their place in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh.
But one thing was clear: Monday may have been the "Longest Day in Golf," but for many, it was also the most unforgettable.
New Yorker Cameron Young was the headline act in Ohio, making a stirring late charge that saw him birdie three of his last four holes to sneak into a brutal 5-for-1 playoff. With nerves of steel, he drained a 12-foot birdie putt to clinch his berth in golf's ultimate examination.
'I feel like I showed myself something today,' Young reflected. 'For so long today I saw nothing go in. I started my day here 12 hours ago and made a 3, so I tried to do it again,' he added.
A gruelling Road for Homa
Meanwhile, Californian native Max Homa endured a punishing 38 holes lugging his own bag around the course after recently parting ways with his caddie. Fatigue took its toll, and a costly three-putt on his final hole sent him into a playoff rather than through safely. Despite a valiant effort, he fell short of automatic qualification and walked off with only a shot at an alternate spot.
Rickie Fowler, who is known for his dynamic playing style and vibrant personality, also came up short, his campaign undone by a bogey when it mattered most.
In brighter news for fans of consistency, South African Erik van Rooyen put in one of the day's cleanest performances, carding a 64 at Kinsale and cruising through six shots clear of the cut line. Bud Cauley, Lanto Griffin, Justin Lower, and Harrison Ott joined him among the qualifiers.
A Young Star Emerges
There were also moments of youthful brilliance. In Atlanta, 17-year-old Mason Howell delivered a blemish-free performance over 36 holes, finishing at 18-under-par to lead the field. Joining him were Auburn standout Jackson Koivun and Florida State's Tyler Weaver- evidence that the future of American golf is in good hands.
Howell's feat was all the more striking considering the sheer pressure of the day and the elite company he kept.
Dentist Turned Dreamer
Across the country in Walla Walla, Washington, Matt Vogt turned heads with a story straight from a movie script. Now a practising dentist and oral surgeon based in Indianapolis, Vogt balances his professional career with competitive amateur golf, the Indiana native secured his own fairytale return - this time as a player at the U.S. Open.
In North Carolina, Zach Bauchou led the field, adding another chapter to his growing resume. A former college roommate of Viktor Hovland, Bauchou had the Norwegian star on his bag during a past qualifier.
LIV Players Fight for Places
In Maryland, 15 LIV Golf players originally entered the field, but only one - Marc Leishman - made it through. Leishman edged out fellow LIV member Sebastian Munoz, booking a long-awaited return to major competition. Many others either failed to submit cards or withdrew before play began, including Bubba Watson and Lee Westwood.
In Florida, heavy rain forced a suspension of play, delaying the fate of several hopefuls. Meanwhile, the final result in Columbus hinged on Bud Cauley's world ranking should he remain inside the top 60, Chase Johnson could get a call-up to his first-ever U.S. Open, after narrowly missing out but winning the playoff for alternate spots.
