Lee McCoy didn’t want to tinker with his stroke after a strong finish in the NCAA golf tournament.
So when Georgia’s season ended last week in the team semifinals, McCoy relaxed.
While McCoy hit 30 to 40 balls every day and worked on his putting, he didn’t step foot on a golf course until Sunday, five days later.
That laid-back approach paid dividends. McCoy earned a spot in next week’s U.S. Open with a second-place finish in the 36-hole sectional qualifier Monday at Hawks Ridge Golf Club. McCoy, who competed as an amateur Monday, will play in his first event that includes professionals at the U.S. Open.
“That’s priceless,” McCoy said. “You couldn’t script it any better.”
Former Georgia Tech All-American Roberto Castro will join McCoy in Chambers Bay, Washington, after he qualified for his third U.S. Open, and second in a row. Roberto’s youngest brother, Franco, is the first alternate, and he finished one stroke behind Roberto in the battle for the third, and final, qualifying spot.
South Carolina star Matthew NeSmith was the medalist at 17-under 127. Former Georgia star Ryuji Imada is the second alternate.
McCoy, who just finished his junior season of eligibility, struggled in the beginning of the NCAA tournament, but he was the only Bulldog to win both matches in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
“I really kind of got my game going in the match play of the NCAAs,” McCoy said. “I knew I was going to have my best stuff coming in here, and I just hope I can carry that forward into next week.”
The U.S. Open starts June 18, and McCoy’s already looking forward to the chance to play in a major and on a golf course he loves.
“I have no idea how I’m going to play or how well I’m going to get around that golf course,” McCoy said. “But I know I’m going to enjoy it just as much as any golf tournament I’ve ever played, probably more.”
Castro, who finished one stroke behind McCoy, will attempt to make the cut for the first time in his U.S. Open career. He’s made the cut in five of the eight PGA Tour events he’s played this year but hasn’t secured a top-10 finish.
After shooting a 12-under 132 Monday, Castro was pleased with his play. He hopes to build on the shotmaking he displayed throughout the day.
“That’s the stuff you’ve got to start stacking up before you start stacking up points and cash,” Castro said. “Good shots are the first good step.”
Before the tournament Roberto and Franco discussed the possibility of both qualifying for the Open, and Monday in between rounds Roberto said it would “be a dream come true.” During the second round, that dream inched closer to reality when Franco tied McCoy for third.
But Franco fell short, and McCoy leapfrogged Roberto.
“A 40-some odd guy qualifier for three spots is never an easy thing especially for such a great field,” McCoy said. “But this was probably the best day to put together a good day.”
Clarification: McCoy said on Tuesday that he will remain an amateur and not yet turn professional.
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