Four North Carolina golf courses will represent the start of an exciting and dramatic process for qualifying for the 2014 U.S. Open. The four courses are among the 111 sites in 42 states that will host local qualifying.

The 2014 US Open is set for June 12-15 at the legendary Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst NC. The players who advance out of local qualifying will compete in sectional qualifying at 10 U.S. sites.

“The U.S. Open’s local and sectional qualifying process is the most democratic in that every amateur golfer who meets the USGA Handicap Index requirement can compete for a spot in the championship field,” Daniel B. Burton, USGA vice president and championship committee chairman, said in a news release.

Greensboro County Club’s Farm Course will be the first chance that North Carolina golfers have a chance to start the journey to the US Open on Monday, May 5. The Donald Steel redesigned course is over 7,300 yards to challenge every participation.

River Landing Country Club’s Rive Course in Wallace NC will also serve as a qualifying site on Monday, May 12. The course was designed by Clyde Johnston and opened in 1999. While the fairways are Bermuda, the greens feature a champion Bermuda surface.

The next stop in the state will be the Pinewild Country Club’s Magnolia Course in Pinehurst NC. Originally designed by Gene Hamm, the Magnolia course has been updated with a multi-million dollar design that included renovated greens, bunkers and cart paths. The course plays just over 7,500 yards.

The final site in North Carolina will be the prestigious Governors’ Club in Chapel Hill NC. The Jack Nicklaus signature course uses the natural surroundings to the fullest as the course contours around Edwards Mountain and passing lakes and woodlands.

From the back tees, the course plays at just over 7,000 feet.

The sectional qualifying will be set for June 2, with the U.S. Open set for June 12-15. It will be the third time that Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted the U.S. Open.. In 1999, Payne Stewart made an 18-foot par-saving putt on the final hole to edge Phil Mickelson by one stroke and win his second U.S. Open title. In 2005, Michael Campbell shot a final-round 69 to finish at even-par 280, two strokes ahead of Tiger Woods. To be eligible, a player must have a USGA Handicap Index® not exceeding 1.4, or be a professional.

-Photos courtesy of Governors Club, River Landing and Greensboro Country Club.

—
FOLLOW US on Twitter for up-to-date news and specials @Golf_NCSC and find us on FACEBOOK by searching for GolfNorthCarolina.com.
They’re ALL FREE to Join, Subscribe or Follow Us and we promise to keep you well-informed. Share our website with your friends. We’d appreciate it a lot.