The 2026 U.S. Open Final Qualifying Scores: A Day of Surprises and Rising Stars
The sun shone brightly on the longest day of golf's qualifying season, marking the culmination of a grueling journey for aspiring U.S. Open contenders. With 43 spots up for grabs across 10 diverse locations, from the rolling hills of Lambton, Canada, to the tropical fairways of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the stage was set for a day of dramatic twists and turns.
As the Fried Egg Golf staff provided real-time updates, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Among the highlights, the story of Jimmy Abdo stood out. Last summer, Abdo, then a rising sophomore at D3 Gustavus Adolphus, made waves at the Olympic Club, reaching the U.S. Amateur quarterfinals. Fast forward to today, and Abdo's world ranking had soared to a remarkable 4,929, showcasing the rapid ascent of this talented individual.
In England, the Walton Heath Golf Club witnessed a thrilling conclusion. Nathan Kimsey emerged as the champion, carding a stellar 14 under, followed by Rocco Repetto Taylor and Niklas Norgaard, both at 12 under. The top four spots were fiercely contested, with Matthew Jordan, Angel Hidalgo, and Filippo Celli sharing fourth place at 11 under. Ugo Coussaud, with a score of 10 under, secured the seventh position.
The Dallas Athletic Club – Blue Course and Gold Course in Texas played host to a different kind of drama. Peter Uihlein, Tom Kim, and Cooper Dossey battled it out, with Uihlein claiming the top spot at 9 under. Kim and Dossey followed closely behind, at 8 and 7 under, respectively. Manav Shah, Jimmy Stanger, Graeme McDowell, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, and T.K. Kim all finished at 5 to 4 under, with Caleb Surratt just 3 under.
In Japan, the Hino Golf Club – King Course saw a more decisive outcome. Ryuichi Oiwa, Kaito Onishi, and Taihei Sato emerged as the top three qualifiers, with scores of 12, 11, and 10 under, respectively. Riki Kawamoto and Taichi Nabetani secured the alternate spots.
As the day progressed, the excitement continued to build. The qualifier at Lambton Golf and Country Club in Canada was underway, with six spots up for grabs. Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California, hosted a similarly intense competition, offering four spots. Springfield Country Club in Springfield, Ohio, and Emerald Valley Golf Club in Creswell, Oregon, were also in full swing, each providing five and two spots, respectively.
Woodmont Country Club's North Course in Rockville, Maryland, and BallenIsles Country Club's East Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, were the settings for further intense battles. Century Country Club & Golf Club of Purchase in Purchase, New York, and Gaston Country Club in Gastonia, North Carolina, were also in action, each offering four and five spots, respectively.
Lakes Golf & Country Club in Westerville, Ohio, witnessed the rise of another star, with Jimmy Abdo's story echoing through the fairways. Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, Georgia, completed the list of qualifiers, with five spots up for grabs.
As the sun set on this historic day, the U.S. Open qualifying process had unveiled a new crop of talented golfers, each with their own unique stories and aspirations. The road to the 2026 U.S. Open had been paved with determination, and the final qualifying scores would forever be etched in the annals of golf history.
In my opinion, this day was a testament to the beauty of the game, where underdogs rise, legends are made, and the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds. As an expert commentator, I find it fascinating to witness the raw talent and passion that these players bring to the course, and I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their journeys.