Adam Scott Qualifies for US Open to Maintain Remarkable Major Appearance Run

Monday was Sectional Qualifying Day for the 2018 U.S. Open, from which 74 of 860 entered players booked their ticket for Shinnecock Hills and America's National Championship. It's always a tense and intriguing marathon of an event, where a variety of names contrasting between major winners and unknowns compete to claim one of those few coveted spots.

From the European Qualifier at Walton Heath, Andrew "Beef" Johnston, Italian Open winner Thorbjorn Olesen, Matt Wallace and former U.S. Amateur champion Richie Ramsay were among those who secured their spot into the second major of the year. 

“It’s a tough day, after coming in late from Italy last night,” said the fan favourite Johnston on the European Tour Website. “I got in late and didn’t much sleep, and then two rounds today. It’s tough but it’s been a good day.

“It is difficult, but you have to just get out there and play and get yourself around the fact that you’re not going to get much sleep. That’s the kind of mindset you’ve got to get into.

“I played lovely early on and then I started nicely in my second round too, but then I scrambled hard on the back nine coming in, but I’ve done enough so it’s good.

“The last event I played in New York area was the US PGA Championship at Baltusrol and that was wild! So I’m expecting it’s going to be loud and it’ll be good fun. I haven’t played there before but I’ve heard some really good things about it so I’m really looking forward to playing there.” 

Olesen, who 24 hours earlier won a thrilling Italian Open ahead of local hero Francesco Molinari, was delighted to make it through to his second U.S. Open appearance. 

“I feel tired but relieved,” said the 28-year-old Dane. “I played nicely actually, just made a silly mistake there at 17 for a double and all of a sudden there was a bit of pressure but I’m really happy to have made it.

“It’s probably the toughest Major there is on the courses they play on. They set it up really tough so it will be interesting. I’m looking forward to getting back and playing a U.S Open.

“From last week I have a lot of confidence and belief in myself now so I have to keep working hard and hopefully be ready for the U.S Open. I have heard lots of good things about Shinnecock Hills so I’m really looking forward to seeing it.”

Over in America, there were ten qualifying sites, where notably veteran Steve Stricker grasped a spot into his 21st U.S. Open. The likes of Keegan Bradley, Shane Lowry, Russell Knox and Patrick Rodgers also qualified, but perhaps the most striking name was that of Adam Scott, the former world number one, who managed to qualify on the number to maintain his remarkable record of playing in each major championship since the 2001 Open.

David Duval etched his name onto the Claret Jug that year, a week that many recall for Ian Woosnam's bizarre penalty for having 15 clubs in the bag when in contention. Sky Sports commentators Mark Roe and Wayne Riley missed the cut, while Bob Charles and Gary Player both made their final appearances. Somewhat dates that particular Open, but underlines the impressive longevity of Scott.