US Open spots to be up for grabs again in European Tour mini series

The main entry route for European players into the US Open will be through a mini-order of merit on the European Tour for the second year in a row.

Connor Syme, pictured during a practice, qualified for last year's US Open at Winged Foot through a mini-order of merit on the European Tour. Picture: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images.

The USGA has confirmed that the top 10 aggregate point earners (not otherwise exempt) across the Betfred British Masters (May 12-15), Made in HimmerLand in Denmark (May 27-30) and the Porsche European Open (June 3-6) in Germany will earn places in this year's event at Torrey Pines on 17-20 June.

It is down to the traditional US Open final qualifying event in Europe not taking place again this season due to the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scotland's Connor Syme was among the same number of players to get into last year's US Open at Winged Foot through a similar order of merit, though it comprised five UK Swing events on that occasion.

Keith Waters, the European Tour’s chief operating officer, said: “We are very pleased to continue our collaboration with the USGA in offering European Tour players an opportunity to earn places in the US Open despite the disruption caused by the ongoing global pandemic.

“Last year’s qualifying series added further excitement to the inaugural UK Swing, and I’m sure we can expect more of the same at the three events across Europe this year where players will have the chance to secure coveted places at the third major of the season at Torrey Pines.”

Local qualifying will take place at 109 sites in the United States and Canada from 26 April-18 Mayas hopefuls bid to join a field set to be spearheaded by defending champion Bryson DeChambeau.

John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s senior managing director of championships, said: “In these challenging times, we are pleased to work with the European Tour in creating an exemption category for the 2021 US Open.

“The final qualifier in England has featured a strong field since its inception in 2005 and, while qualifying is not possible this year due to Covid restrictions, it is important that a path is provided for players competing on the European Tour to earn a place in this year’s championship field.”

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