Morales Qualifies for U.S. Open; Wins Qualifying Round at Hillcrest
LOS ANGELES – UCLA men's golf sophomore Omar Morales will be competing in the 2023 U.S. Open after winning his qualifying round at Hillcrest Country Club on Monday with a score of 12-under over two rounds (65-65).
Morales will be traveling just a few blocks north across Santa Monica Boulevard to compete at the 123rd rendition of the event at Los Angeles Country Club from June 15-18. The U.S. Open, the third of four major championships in golf, is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the history of the sport.
"I am so proud of Omar!" said UCLA head coach Armen Kirakossian. "As a coach, what you want most are for players to improve, accomplish their goals and reach their dreams. Omar certainly accomplished a major goal today. He has made so much progress since the beginning of the year. This is just the start for Omar. I could not be happier and prouder. This is a big day for Omar and Bruin golf. Competing at the U.S. Open on one of our home courses in front of the LA fans is so special and something few people get to experience."
"I've played here every week since my freshman year," Morales said after signing his card. "It's a dream to play in the U.S. Open, and especially so close here in Los Angeles."
Story by Laz Versalles on AmateurGolf.com
Morales is one of five golfers to qualify from Hillcrest Country Club. The Puebla, Mexico native fired back-to-back rounds of 6-under 65 to win by two strokes. Morales, who won the first event of his collegiate career in his final tournament of the 2022-23 season, will be making his first major appearance.
Morales is one of 11 collegiate golfers to qualify for the U.S. Open.
In his collegiate season, Morales won his first individual medal at the El Macero Classic with a score of 13-under (69-67-67). He led UCLA with a 72.2 scoring average over 21 rounds and seven events.
This year's U.S. Open marks the first time the event has been held in the City of Angels since 1948. Ben Hogan won his first of four U.S. Open Trophies that year.
Morales joins former Bruin Patrick Cantlay (2010-12) in the field at the U.S. Open. Corey Pavin (1977-80; 1981-82) is the only Bruin to win a major championship, coming at the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.