May 7, 2018
Alex Lee, the winner of last year’s Memorial Tournament at Ancil Hoffman GC, and two others took a big step towards competing in this year’s U.S. Open.
Lee shot a medalist-earning 5-under 66 in an 18-hole local qualifier held Monday at par-71 Fort Washington GC in Fresno. Lee, who plays for Fresno State, went bogey-free with five birdies. He’d birdie holes No.11 through No. 13 in succession.
Also moving on to Sectional qualifying (June 4) were former Stanford star and PGA Tour member Joseph Bramlett and fellow pro Nick Delio of Valencia. Bramlett and Delio each shot 67.
The first alternate spot went to pro Neil Bautista of Bakersfield (68). The second alternate spot went to pro Jeff Freund of Carmel (68).
This year’s U.S. Open will be held June 14-17 at Shinnecock Hills.