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Local Qualifying: U.S. Open Hopefuls from Other Sports Fail to Advance

By David Shefter, USGA

None of the seven celebrity athletes who filed entries to compete in the 2009 U.S. Open managed to advance out of local qualifying.

Former NHL player Dan Quinn, a Florida resident, came closest to reaching the sectional round. The Canadian-born Quinn, who scored 266 goals for eight teams during his 18-season career, carded a respectable 72 at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach, Fla., on May 11. He missed advancing by three strokes.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, a participant in last year’s Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge at Torrey Pines, failed in his fourth attempt at qualifying. Romo, who posted an 84 at Torrey Pines last June, shot an 80 at Dallas National Golf Club on May 11. Romo made the turn at even-par 36, but had five bogeys and a triple bogey en route to a 44 for his final nine holes.

Former big-league pitcher Erik Hanson was thought to have the best chance at advancing since he qualified for sectionals in 2007. But the 43-year-old Seattle-area resident failed to qualify at The Home Course in Dupont, Wash., shooting 3-over 75. Hanson has represented Washington at three USGA Men's State Team Championships.

Two other former pro athletes failed to advance last week: NFL quarterback Billy Joe Tolliver shot a 5-over 77 at Squire Creek C.C. in Choudrant, La., and NHL goaltender Mike Dunham returned a 7-over 78 at TPC of Boston in Norton, Mass. Dunham qualified for the 2007 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

On May 18, NHL Hall of Fame goalie Grant Fuhr shot a 76 at the Golf Club of Scottsdale in Arizona, while ex-big-league third baseman Chris Sabo withdrew from his local qualifier in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Local qualifying continues through May 25. Sectional qualifying begins May 25 in Japan and Europe. Thirteen additional sectional qualifiers are scheduled for sites across the U.S. on June 8. The 2009 U.S. Open will be held June 18-21 at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale, N.Y.

David Shefter is a USGA Digital Media staff writer. E-mail him with questions or comments at dshefter@usga.org.

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