Glen Ellyn Native Ties For 15th at US Open Qualifying Event

Growing up in Glen Ellyn, Andrew Pope earned many golf accolades for his athletic prowess on the links during his high school career at and on Monday, June 4, Pope competed for one of two qualifying spots to make it to the 112th US Open.

Pope, 28, returned to hometown course, , and missed the mark to advance to the next stage but he did finish near the top of the leader board. Out of 48 other contestants, Pope finished in a three-way tie for 15th after Monday's 36-hole qualifier. Pope shot 74-69 for a tournament total of 143.

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"It is an uphill struggle, as there are a lot of good golfers, closely matched in skill and work ethic," said Recreation Director Matt Pekarek, who oversees operations at the Links. "Over 9,000 golfers entered the US Open. Andy was one of 780 golfers that made it to the sectional qualifying round. That is quite an accomplishment but that still leaves him as one of over 1,000 golfers that aspire to become a regular on the PGA Tour." 

Monday's two finalist will compete in the 112th US Open in California on June 14-17. Anthony Summers of Australia earned a first place finish shooting a total of 133, (66-67). Joining Summers at the next round at the US Open Championship at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, Calif., is Minnesota native Tim Herron who shot 134, (68-66). 

The Village Links of Glen Ellyn has hosted previous qualifying rounds for the US Open. Pekarek said it's not unusual to see natives like Pope come through trying to make the cut. When the Links last hosted the event in 2005, Pekarek said, Wheaton Warrenville South graduate Kevin Streelman competed but did not make the qualifier list.