Getty Images
The US Open is perhaps the most democratic of the major golf tournaments, with thousands of golfers entering to play each year.
This year was no exception, as the USGA received a record 10,187 entries from hopefuls looking to make it to this year’s tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. But of course, next week only 156 people will be making it to the National Championships, and many saw their dreams come to a halt on Monday as a finalist.
With just one player cut out of the top 60 in the world golf rankings this weekend, more than 850 golfers – both professionals and amateurs – took part in the second qualifying round of the US Open on “golf’s longest day” on Monday. It’s a grueling 36-hole day, with a handful of spots available at each of the 10 sites.
Here are the seven most surprising names who failed to qualify for the 2023 US Open.
Ludwig Aberg (a)
Eligible site: Toronto – 66-70 (3 missed)
Why is this surprising: Aberg has just completed a notable career at Texas A&M and has earned immediate membership on the PGA Tour through the revamped PGA Tour U program. He is set to make his professional debut this week at the RBC Canadian Open, but has already made two cuts on the PGA Tour this year, including a T24 finish at Bay Hill. Ranked the number one amateur in the world until he turned pro on Thursday, Aberge figures to play in several highlights the rest of the season, including a Ryder Cup selection. However, he will not participate in the US Open.
Harry Hole
Eligible site: Toronto – 64-70 (missed by 1)
Why is that surprising: Hall is off to an excellent start to his career on the PGA Tour, having three top 10 finishes already in his rookie season. The 25-year-old Englishman was coming off a very close call at the Colonials a week ago, when he nearly drove a wire before being knocked out of the final. He played in his first major tournament at the US Open a year ago in Brooklyn, but a second round 70 wasn’t enough to get him back despite a first round 64.
Matthew Wolfe
Eligible site: Boyton Beach, Florida – WD
Why is that surprising: Wolfe has become one of the most enigmatic figures in the world of golf. He burst onto the scene quickly, and in his rookie season on the PGA Tour right after leaving Oklahoma State won the NCAA singles championship. He then went toe-to-toe with Bryson Dechambeau at the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot, finishing second in only his second major start.
His 2021 and early 2022 team was mixed as he dealt with injuries and a confidence drain and eventually signed with LIV Golf. Now there is even more drama after it was reported that Wolfe has left Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC team and is looking for a new LIV team as he recovers from another injury. This same injury knocked WD out of the US Open Qualifier before his time in the first round. He hasn’t played a major since last year’s PGA.
Mark Lishman
Eligible site: Rockville, MD – 68-74 (missed 3)
Why is that surprising: A six-time winner on the PGA Tour, Marc Leishman hasn’t missed a major since the 2015 Masters. Now, thanks to a drop to No. 147 in the world rankings due to his LIV status, he’ll miss the US Open thanks to a round-74 in the final qualifier.
Stuart Hagstad (A)
Eligible site: Summit, NJ – 71-77 (11 missed)
Why is that surprisingHagestad has become one of the most successful amateur intermediates in modern golf. Last year, he played in his fourth US Open at The Country Club and finished as an amateur. Before that, the two-time US Amateur Intermediate winner was the first midseason winner to make the cut at the Masters in 2017. His bid for a fifth berth at the US Open sank with a second round 77.
Lucas Glover
Eligible siteColumbus, Ohio – 63-73 (lost 4-for-3 in the playoff)
Why is that surprisingIn 2009, Lucas Glover opened the US Open Final Qualifier with 63 points. And two weeks later, he won the US Open at Bethpage Black. He hoped to repeat the feat again after opening with a 63 in the Columbus Qualifiers, but a second round 73 put him in a playoff for last place. He missed a short putt on the first playoff hole that eliminated him. The 43-year-old’s best days have passed, but he won on the PGA Tour as recently as 2021. He’s only played the US Open once since his 10-year exemption expired in 2021.
Harold Varner III
Eligible site: Durham, NC – 67-69 (3 missed)
Why is that surprising: Varner has been in great shape having just won the LIV Golf DC. Perhaps the most famous player was his final qualifier, which was packed with plenty of talent from the Korn Ferry Tour. However, Varner couldn’t take it deep enough at Old Chatham Club. He will miss his first major since the 2021 US Open.