June 4, 2013
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Kentucky men’s golf sophomore Will Bishop won a three-way playoff with four-time PGA Tour winner Ben Crane and Jack Newman on Monday at the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying to advance as a second alternate in the 2013 U.S. Open at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa.
Bishop, who finished as the top amateur in the field, carded a 2-under-par, 70 on Sunday before shooting even par Monday to finish the 36-hole sectional qualifying tournament at 2-under. The event was played at the Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tenn.
“I am extremely proud of Will for being named a second alternate for this year’s U.S. Open,” head coach Brian Craig said. “This is a very exciting day for Will and Kentucky men’s golf. He is a tremendous talent and I can’t wait to coach and watch him lead this team over the next two years.”
The tournament consisted of 112 players competing for nine spots to qualify for the U.S. Open. Two alternates are permitted to attend the U.S. Open and will be called upon to participate in the major tournament following any dropouts from the top-9 finishers in the qualifier. Bishop would need two dropouts to be selected to compete in next week’s major tournament.
Bishop will be provided all hospitality at the U.S. Open, which takes place June 13-16. If any of the top-9 qualifiers or first alternate Scott Stallings were to back out, Bishop would be allowed to participate in the practice rounds June 10-12.
Bishop advanced to sectional qualifying after winning a three-way playoff at the U.S. Open Local qualifier at the Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio on May 7, to grab the final qualifying slot.
The sophomore had three top-20 finishes for UK last season, including his first career tournament victory at the Querencia Cabo Collegiate, where he shot 2-under-par. Bishop helped guide the Wildcats to their first NCAA Regional appearance since 2009.
For all Kentucky men’s golf news, follow the Wildcats on Twitter at “UKmensgolf” and go to UKathletics.com.
Colonial Country Club
Memphis, Tenn. (9 qualifying spots)
1. Kevin Sutherland (-10)
T2. Shawn Stefani (-9)
T2. Jerry Kelly (-9)
T4. Morgan Hoffmann (-6)
T4. Joe Ogilvie (-6)
T6. Scott Langley (-5)
T6. Brandon Crick (-5)
T8. Alistair Presnell (-4)
T8. Andrew Svoboda (-4)
Alternates
Scott Stallings (-4)
Will Bishop (a) (-2)
