Storylines from U.S. Open Local Qualifying, as 'Golf's Longest Day' Approaches

If you’re a stick, you can earn your way into the U.S. Open. It’s one of the many things that make that golf tournament so special. Every time April rolls around, we get a fresh batch of names hoping to turn their dreams into reality through Local Qualifying.

And it’s not just amateurs. Just last year, Cameron Young, the man who’s won THE PLAYERS, and Cadillac Championship this season and is currently ranked third in the world, had to qualify his way in.

This year, plenty of recognizable names threw their hats into the ring. Tony Romo, Danny Woodhead, and Mardy Fish, just to name a few. As the weeks have gone by, their fates are no longer in question.

Romo, who played at Ridgewood Country Club down in Waco, Texas, shot a 9-over 79 and once again failed to make it through locals. Fish came closer to getting the job done, finishing one shot shy of a playoff for the last two spots, but like Romo, didn’t quite do it. Woodhead, on the other hand, played well enough to earn the tag of first alternate. So, he’ll need some help to advance, but all in all pretty damn good.

Our friend Shane Bacon posted a 2-under 70 in his qualifier in Connecticut, and he’ll be moving on. But Greg Norman Jr, yes, the son of that Greg Norman, wasn’t as lucky. He shot a 3-over 75 to fall short in Vero Beach, Florida.

On Monday, Sean Jacklin, son of 1970 U.S. Open champion Tony Jacklin, fell just short with his attempt in Naples. As did Jack Miller, son of 1973 U.S. Open champ Johnny Miller, in Utah.

The last of 110 Local Qualifying events is on Friday, then it’s time for Final Qualifying. There will be 13 Final Qualifying sites: one in England (May 18), one in Japan (May 25), one in Canada (June 8), one in the U.S. on May 18, but the other nine will be held on June 8, otherwise known as Golf’s Longest Day—all final qualifiers are 36-holes. If that sounds interesting, don’t worry, Golf Channel will have coverage for 10 hours.

When the time comes, Mr. Bacon isn't the only story to keep an eye on. Scott (father), Luke (son), and Trevor Gutschewski will all play for a spot in the Open. Trevor was exempt into Final Qualifying, while Scott and Luke made it through the same local qualifier. What a story that could be.

It might be PGA Championship week, but things are starting to get real on the U.S. Open front.