Full Breakdown
Former Pro Athletes Compete in 2026 U.S. Open Local Qualifying
4/29/2026, 4:56:58 AM
Event Overview: Local Qualifying Kicks Off
The USGA began local qualifying for the 2026 U.S. Open on April 27. One-day, 18-hole events feed 13 final-qualifying sites, the last step before the championship at Shinnecock Hills in June.
Nationwide Qualifying Sites and Dates
Over 100 sites are scheduled nationwide; California hosts 14 courses, Florida 13, with additional venues in Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Indiana, Nevada, and other states. The schedule runs April 27–May 18, opening at Parkersburg Country Club (WV) and Ridgewood Country Club (Waco, TX). Final qualifying runs May 18–June 8.
Former Professionals Join the Field
Eight former athletes entered the first stage: ex-Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, ex-MLB outfielder Aaron Hicks, New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller, six-time ATP winner Mardy Fish, former NFL running back Danny Woodhead, ex-MLB pitcher Tyler Clippard, former NFL quarterback Drew Olson, and ex-MLB pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa. Romo, a 2018 American Century Championship winner, holds a +2.5 handicap.
On-the-Ground Report: Tony Romo Misses Cut
At Ridgewood Country Club, Romo shot a 9-over 79, 11 strokes behind the 2-under score needed to advance; Theo Humphrey won with a 66. Romo’s last final-qualifying appearance was in 2010, so he must try again next year.
Official Information from the USGA
The USGA posted the athlete roster and confirmed the local-qualifying window of April 20–May 18. It also released the full list of 100+ sites, emphasizing that any player meeting handicap requirements may enter.
Debate Over Multi-Sport Participation
Critics argue that former pros occupying qualifying spots may limit opportunities for career golfers. One commentator noted, “Being good at multiple sports seems unfair ?,” reflecting concerns about fairness in a field that includes athletes from baseball, football, hockey and tennis.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources vary on the number of former athletes: ESPN cites eight participants, while a U.S. Open tweet lists six names, and the Skratch Golf summary mentions eight but adds others such as Garrett Rank. The qualifying-site count is described only as “more than 100,” without an exact total. Sources also differ on the championship dates: ESPN lists June 15-18, while Golf Channel reports June 18-21.
What’s Next: Final Qualifying and the U.S. Open
Final qualifying begins May 18 at venues including Dallas Athletic Club and Walton Heath Golf Club (England) and runs to June 8. Qualifiers will compete at Shinnecock Hills in the 2026 U.S. Open in June.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Miller, New York Rangers captain • Mardy Fish, six-time winner on the ATP Tour • Danny Woodhead, former NFL running back • Tyler Clippard, former MLB…” — U.S. Open, Twitter
- “Miller: Chester Valley Golf Club on May 4 in Malvern, Pennsylvania •Mardy Fish: Rancho La Quinta Country Club on May 7 in La Quinta, California •Danny Woodhead: Omaha Country Club on May 6 in Omaha, Nebraska •Tyler Clippard: Avila Country Club on May 4 in Tampa, Florida •Drew Olson: Stonebrae Country Club on May 4 in Hayward, California •Shigetoshi Hasegawa: Brentwood Country Club on May 4 in Los Angeles, California As a New England Patriots fan, I’m a little biased, but I’ll be pulling for Danny Woodhead.” — Skratch Golf author
- “Open began on April 20 and runs through May 18.” — Skratch Golf
- “He won the 2018 American Century Championship, and played in the Corales Puntacana Resort Club and Championship that same year—he missed the cut with rounds of 77-81.” — Skratch Golf
