6 Golfers Missed Their U.S. Open Dream After Mid-Flight Medical Emergency Changed Everything
Jun 19, 2022; Brookline, Massachusetts, USA; A detailed view of a US Open logo as Patrick Rodgers walks past on the green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Jun 19, 2022; Brookline, Massachusetts, USA; A detailed view of a US Open logo as Patrick Rodgers walks past on the green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Seven PGA Tour Americas players were headed to BallenIsles Country Club after finishing the Mexico Championship on Sunday, but a mid-flight medical emergency derailed their plans, leaving only one golfer able to make his U.S. Open qualifying tee time.
Their Mexico City-to-Miami-bound flight made an emergency landing due to the medical emergency. It was diverted to Veracruz, and the sick passenger was provided urgent medical care.
It’s good news that the passenger received urgent treatment, but the PGA Tour Americas players saw their U.S. Open hopes take a major hit as they were forced to deplane and wait for a replacement aircraft before eventually boarding a different flight.
Jun 11, 2014; Pinehurst, NC, USA; Silhouettes of golfers on the driving range during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2014; Pinehurst, NC, USA; Silhouettes of golfers on the driving range during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
At 2 a.m., they departed from Veracruz and flew toward Miami. They landed long after the original arrival time, at 6:45 a.m.
Of the seven players affected by the travel disruption, PGA Tour Americas golfer Chris Nido was the only golfer able to reach in time to compete. Luis Gagne was also identified among the traveling group, while the remaining five players have not been publicly named.
Nido had the last tee time of the morning. Even then, he had to make some last-minute adjustments to make it on time.
Amid all the chaos, Nido’s equipment was left behind in Mexico, but he borrowed a friend’s clubs and reached BallenIsles Country Club on time. The others missed their final chance to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
Some Big Names That Won’t Feature At The U.S.Open
A total of 713 pros and amateurs were scheduled to feature in U.S. Open Final Qualifying for a spot at the famous Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. However, only 43 spots were up for grabs across 10 different venues.
While six players missed out due to the flight disruption, many others who teed it up also fell short of qualification.
Notable LIV golfers couldn’t cross the line. Currently 15th in the LIV standings, Abraham Ancer was one of them.
Fireballs GC captain Sergio Garcia and teammate Josele Ballester also missed out. Korean Golf Club's Byeong Hun An and 4Aces' Thomas Detry tried their hands, but to no avail.
Six-time PGA Tour winners Tony Finau and Max Homa came agonizingly close but failed in the end. The 2009 U.S. Open winner, Lucas Glover, was also among those left behind.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav