Bonnie Doon Golf Club’s James Grierson has booked his place in next month’s US Amateur Championship at The Riviera Country Club in California after shooting a solid three-under par 141 in sectional qualifying on Monday.
Grierson carded rounds of 71 and 70 at Brea Burn Country Club in New York state.
"I haven't been playing the best golf since leaving Australia but it was the perfect day to put what I have learnt from this trip into action."
“It would be an understatement to say that I am stoked right now,” Grierson said.
The 24-year old was out in the first group of the day and had to endure a harrowing wait to see if he had qualified.
"I was first group out so I only got to see the nine-hole scores before I teed off for my afternoon round. The guys were giving themselves chances to go low."
"I knew if I stayed patient and kept playing solidly, I would have a great chance."
"I hit driver wedge into a par five to a foot on my final hole for eagle which made me feel like I had done enough," a clearly pumped Grierson beamed.
The 24-year old tasted success in the United States last year, taking out medallist honours at the Pacific North West Amateur. The US Amateur, however, will be the biggest tournament that the former Forbes junior has played.
Grierson who made his NSW men’s team debut this year will join already his already exempt state teammates Harrison Endycott and Travis Smyth in the tournament, who both qualified courtesy of their top-50 standing in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.