May 22, 2008

AUBURN - Four Auburn golfers, two past and two present, recently advanced to 2008 US Open sectional qualification.

Current Auburn senior Patton Kizzire and former Tiger Jay Mundy tied for medalist honors, each carding a round of 66 at the Bessemer, Ala., local qualifier held the Bent Brook Golf Course May 19.

"All the courses we play in college golf are pretty tough," said Kizzire. "This one was a little more forgiving than the one we just played in Chattanooga.

"It's a real treat being able to play with all the veterans that will be in Roswell. I'm looking forward to it."

First-team All-SEC senior Jay Moseley carded a 70 to finish tied for third at the Kennesaw, Ga., qualifier at the Marietta Country Club May 12. Former Tiger Will Claxton, currently competing on the NGA Hooters Tour, also progressed to the sectional following turning in a 71, tying for sixth.

Jay Moseley

"It's awesome to get through," said Moseley. "It's a great opportunity to get to the next level. There will be a lot of accomplished golfers there. Win or lose - it's just a win-win situation."

The four will compete June 2 at the Roswell, Ga., sectional at the par-72, 7,072-yard Settindown Creek Golf Club.

Auburn great Jason Dufner was exempt from local qualification and will also compete at Settindown Creek.

June 2 sectional qualifying will be conducted at 13 sites including one in England. A 14th sectional qualifier will be played May 26 in Japan.

It is the fourth consecutive year that the USGA has offered these two international sectional qualifiers.

The US Open will be played played June 12-15 at the par-72, 7,607-yard Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, Calif.