Harrison Endycott and Cameron Davis have come up short in their quest to grab a spot in next month's US Open at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania.
The pair endured a gruelling day playing 36 holes at Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey playing alongside many stars of the European PGA tour.
With 12 spots on offer in this year's second major championship, the task was never going to be an easy one particularly with players of the calibre of three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington and 2016 European Tour winners Marcus Fraser and Scott Hend in the field.
Endycott wasn’t overawed by the occasion and looked set to pull off a remarkable result and book his place in this years second Major after posting an impressive first round of 2-under par 70 to be tied 9th.
“It was amazing how comfortable I felt early on,” Endycott said. “The crowds out there were huge. I was playing in front of Harrington,” Endycott said.
The afternoon proved to be tougher challenge for the 20-year old with a couple of dropped shots late in the day contributing to his 4-over par round of 76. The Avondale Golf Club member finished on a total of 2-over par 146 and 4 shots shy of the playoff for the final qualifying shots on offer.
"it was an extremely tough day and every shot was a grind, things just didn't go my way in the arvo," he said.
Harrison Endycott with the Low Amateur Medal he recieved after US Open Sectional Qualifying at Walton Heath.
Cameron Davis battled hard in the firm, fast and windy conditions, getting to within a shot of the top 10 late in his first round however a double bogey seven on the par 5 16th dented his hopes. The Monash Country Club member continued to fight in tough conditions, but a back nine of 4-over par 40 was the end of his chances.
"It was tough, I played some awesome golf tee to green but the putter wasn't cooperating," Davis said.
"Any mistake you did make was really punished in the heather out there, but it was a great experience to play in the event, and after seeing the scores the European Tour players can shoot, it was nice to know I can hold my own out there," he said.
France's Grégory Bourdy was the low qualifier after he posted an impressive two round total of 9-under par 135, while Sweden's Sebastian Soderberg needed 5 extra holes to grab the last spot available after a 5-for-3 playoff for those that finished at 2-under par.
A small consolation for Endycott's disappointment at not qualifying was receiving a commemorative USGA medal for finishing as the low amateur for the day, a keepsake he is justifiably proud of.
"Regardless of the result, it was a great experience. I know things didn't go my way but I know I can compete against the European Tour’s best players with the little experience I have," Endycott said.
The pair are now looking forward to their next challenge on the United Kingdom leg of their playing tour, at the home of golf, the St Andrews Links Trophy, beginning this Friday.