Former Golfer Smith Grabs Spot in U.S. Open

Former Golfer Smith Grabs Spot in U.S. Open

Former Golfer Smith Grabs Spot in U.S. Open

Courtesy: RaginCajuns.com http://www.ragincajuns.com

 

Former UL golfer Michael Smith shot a second round 6-under-par 64 on Monday to win the 2011 U.S. Open 36-hole Sectional Qualifier held at Dallas Athletic Club.

Smith, a regular on the Adams Golf Tour, shot a first round 69 to finish at 7-under (133). He was two strokes better than 2004 British Open champion Todd Hamilton (135) and three strokes better than PGA pros Harrison Frazar (136) and Greg Chalmers.

Among other notables, 12-time PGA Tour winner Justin Leonard, who is ninth in career PGA Tour earnings, was sixth (138) and 19-time PGA Tour winner and 10-time Champions Tour winner Tom Kite finished tied for 34^th, five-over par (145).

John Peterson, the 2011 NCAA individual champion, was even-par and tied for 11^th (140).

Seventy-one players were in Dallas trying to win one of four available spots in the U.S. Open, June 16-19 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. A total of 11 sectionals were held Monday across the country.

"I’m extremely happy for Michael Smith and his family," Ragin’ Cajuns golf coach Theo Sliman said. "The Smith family has been big supporters of UL athletics, particularly UL golf.

"I never coached Michael, but I’m very close with his entire family. Knowing that they had a tough year personally, this is something for them to rally around and have a memorable trip to the U.S. Open.

"Michael is a great inspiration for our current players. Not long ago, he was in their shoes as a collegiate golfer. He was an outstanding college golfer despite not entering the winners circle as an individual. Look what he’s been able to achieve with hard work and dedication. This should give a lot of motivation to our young team."

Smith was a four-year letterman for the Cajuns from 2004-08. He helped Louisiana win the 2007 Sun Belt Conference Championship, making the match-winning birdie on the first playoff hole. He was named to the All-Sun Belt team as a senior and was a two-time All-Louisiana selection.