Kevin Lucas of Folsom led Southern California Sectional Qualifying for the United States Open next week at Chambers Bay near Seattle by posting two stellar rounds at Newport Beach Country Club and Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach.
Lucas, who played at Nevada-Reno, posted a score of 68-66–144, 9-under-par, to take medalist honors over Beau Hossler of Mission Viejo and the University of Texas, who shot 65-71–146, Jake Knapp of Costa Mesa and UCLA, who finished at 64-72–136, and Jared Becher of Reno and Nevada-Reno, who wound up at 67-69–136.
“Getting into the U.S. Open was the goal this year,” the 26-year-old Lucas said. “If I keep getting better until I’m 40, I’ll be good.”
Brian Campbell of Irvine and the University of Illinois finished fourth at 69-68–137, while Alex Kim of Fullerton and UCLA took the fifth and final spot available by carding a score of 66-72–138 and winning a playoff over Josh Anderson of Murrieta and Pepperdine, who came in at 73-65–138.
Among those who missed out was Jason Gore of Valencia and Pepperdine at 68-72–140, Xander Schauffle of San Diego and San Diego State at 70-70–140, and Max Homa of Valencia and Cal at 68-76–144.
