Euro Tour Golfer Gets Into U.S. Open With an Ace

Local qualifying rounds for the U.S. Open have been going on around the United States and in a few overseas locations, too. Now it's time to move onto the sectionals, where spots in the field are up for grabs.

Walton Heath, outside London, was the site today of a 36-hole international qualifier, and Sweden's Peter Hanson got in with a flourish. Hanson, Richard Bland and Stephen Gallacher were on the par-3 17th of Walton Heath's Old Course, the three remaining players in a playoff for one remaining spot.

And Hanson knocked his tee ball into the hole for an ace, claiming his place in the U.S. Open field.

In addition to Hanson, other qualifiers were Raphael Jacquelin, Smon Khan, Simon Dyson, Thomas Levet, Jean-Francois Lucquin, Johan Edfors, Francesco Molinari, Jose Manuel Lara, Andrew McLardy and David Horsey.

Among those who came up short were Paul McGinley, David Howell and Niclas Fasth.

The 2009 U.S. Open takes place June 18-21 at Bethpage Black.

A sectional qualifier is also being played today in Japan. Thirteen other sectionals takes place around the U.S. on June 8.