Michael Putnam was odd-man out in a four-player playoff for three spots in U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying in Columbus, Ohio.
But Putnam (pictured), who played college golf at Pepperdine, made it into the field for the 117th U.S. Open next week at Erin Hills in Hartford, Wis., when Ryan Moore withdrew because of a shoulder injury.
“Just received the call from the @usopengolf that I will be playing next week #erinhills. can’t wait!! Thanks everyone who was cheering me on,” Putnam wrote in a Twitter post.
The 34-year-old Putnam has won three times on the Web.com Tour and captured the junior circuit’s Player of the Year award in addition to being the leading money winner in 2013.
Moore, also 34, who has won five times on the PGA Tour, is expected to be out three to four weeks.
Jeremy Moore, Ryan’s brother and manager, said the strained shoulder is a minor injury, but that Moore’s doctor recommended he take time off to let it heal.
Interestingly, both players were born in Tacoma, Wash., and grew up near University Place.
