Ross Fischer will play his first major tournament since the PGA Championship in 2019 after winning a place in next month’s US Open after taking part in the 36-hole International Qualifying Tournament played at Walton Heath Golf Club on May 16.
The 42-year-old Berkshire-born, who is currently ranked 356 in the world rankings, has played five times in the US Open for 17 years, most recently in 2018, when he finished 48th. It was his highest finish in a year 2009, when he finished fifth behind winner Lucas Glover on Bethpage. That year, he played in all four majors and had the lowest cumulative score of those who made the cut.
Fisher took a share of the first round lead after shooting a seven-under 65 on the new course which featured seven birdies and an eagle. He followed that up with two under-70s on the Old Course which proved good enough to secure his berth in the year’s third major.
“The Grand Slam is the pinnacle of any professional golfer, so I’m glad to be back playing again,” said Fischer, who won the final round at the European Open in 2016. Key points in my early career that I missed playing. I feel like my game is still there – I just need to get everything together.”
Fisher was one of seven players to earn a place in the US Open, which is being held at the Los Angeles Country Club in California from June 15-18. The 36-hole qualifier has been held at Walton Heath for the first time since 2019, with 84 players competing.
South African Dion Germichez topped the heat with aggregates of 10-under-par after rounds of 66 and 68. He will be joined in Los Angeles by compatriot Wilko Nenaber, four-time DP World Tour winner David Horsey, Sweden’s Jens Dantorp and Spain’s Alejandro. Del Rey and Frenchman Mathieu Pavon.
Horsey, who had to play on his own after an opponent withdrew, said: “I thought it was going to be a bit of a challenge playing as a single, but I took a good pace and played really well in the afternoon, the first three and here we are. You just have to be patient. It’s on.” Even though it’s only 36 holes, it feels like a bit of a marathon.”