Amateur Phelan qualifies for US Open - again

Kevn Phelan, pictured with caddie Stephen Byrne, during last yer’s European Amateur at Carton House.Picture by Pat Cashman. Waterford Castle’s Kevin Phelan sensationally qualified for the US Open for the second time since 2010 when he topped his sectional qualifier in Florida.

The 22-year old Florida based Irish interntional will tee it up at Merion next week alongside Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Pádraig Harrington after coming out on top in a sectional qualifier at Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club in Bradenton, Florida.

More than 50 players battled for just three place but Phelan, the world amateur No 39, shot rounds of 65 and 70 to finish on top at nine under par, one clear of Ohio’s John Hahn.

John Nieporte and amateur David Snyder were playing off for the third and final spot having finished on seven under when play, which had already been delayed by weather, was suspended due to darkness.

Phelan qualified for the US Open at Pebble Beach in 2010, where McDowell emerged victorious, but missed the cut.

Phelan took to Twitter to spread the good news:

Speaking to Golfweek’s Nick Masuda, Phelan said:

“Patience really helped me today. It’s a tough finish; it’s easy to make bogeys coming in. Just have to stay patient.”

He has a busy schedule with the Palmer Cup match between college stars from the US and Europe this week, followed by the US Open and an invitation to the Irish Open at Carton House.