By Jon Levy - Staff Writer

June 16, 2010
-- Pebble Beach, CA

It’s an historic golf tournament being held at an historic golf course: The 110th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

And, within the lucky 156-player field that has an opportunity to take part in this momentous event in the game of golf, 16 current and former Gateway Tour players have staked a claim in the starting field. Known as the most democratic, and perhaps most dramatic, golf tournament in the world -- a true open event -- the following players have earned Thursday and Friday tee times at Pebble Beach through various means:

2010 Gateway players who qualified through Local and Sectional Qualifying:

Jason Allred
Kent Eger
Jerry Smith
Daniel Summerhays


Former Gateway players who qualified through Local and/or Sectional Qualifying:

Rich Barcelo
Robert Gates
Hugo Leon
John Mallinger
Terry Pilkadaris
Brandt Snedeker
Chris Stroud
Ty Tryon
Steve Wheatcroft
Gary Woodland


Former Gateway Tour players on the PGA TOUR exempt from qualifying:

Steve Marino
Sean O’Hair


Expectedly so, most of the biggest names in golf are playing in this week’s Championship as it is, after all, the second major of the year. But, because of the tournament’s unique qualifying process, there all also many names known in just the local and regional circles, which, as it historically often occurs in the tournament’s early rounds before the pressure of the weekend hits, heartwarming and unexpected stories abound.

Considering this, and the stage on which this year’s Open is being played, our esteemed group of players in the field is now part of golf history, regardless of how each fares on the golf course. So, simply expressed and proudly said to all Gateway players in the field: Congratulations on making it in, and best of luck in the U.S. Open!


Click here for full field tee times of the 110th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, from usga.org, and stay tuned as we track our players’ progress throughout the week…