June 2, 2008

U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying results

MILWAUKEE - Marquette University senior Mike Van Sickle and former Golden Eagle Mike Bielawski can earn a spot in the 2008 U.S. Open, held June 12-15 at the Torrey Pines (Calif.) South Course, if each golfer can advance through their respective 36-hole Sectional qualifier on Monday, June 2.

Van Sickle is paired with PGA Tour professional and Milwaukee native Skip Kendall at the Columbus Sectional played at Brookside Golf and Country Club and Ohio State's Scarlet Course, where Marquette recently played in the NCAA Division I Central Regional.

Arguably the most high profile of the 14 U.S. Open Sectional tournaments, the Columbus event boasts some of the nation's top collegiate players in addition to some of the sport's biggest names, including: Stuart Appleby, Fred Couples, Chris Dimarco, David Duvall, Tom Lehman, Davis Love III and Jose Maria Olazabal.

Bielawski, who completed his Marquette career this past spring, has opted to play in the Lake Forest, Ill. event held at Conway Farms Golf Club, which is also where PGA Tour pro Mark O'Meara will be competing.

Altogether, there are 84 spots in the U.S. Open waiting to be filled with 22 of those spots coming from the Columbus Sectional and another six places from Lake Forest.

Bielawsi advanced through Regional qualifying by virtue of winning a first-tier tournament at Blue Mound Golf and Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wis., in May and Van Sickle placed second at the Chestnut Ridge Resort Regional in Blairsville, Pa.

The U.S. Open is the second-oldest USGA championship. The event is open to professionals and amateurs with a Handicap Index of 1.4 or lower.