Israelson and Miller Medal, Meyer and Polk Advance to U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying

STILLWATER, Minn. – In 1982 Minnesotan Bill Israelson played in his first of three U.S. Opens, which was held at Pebble Beach Golf Links, where Tom Watson finished two shots better than Jack Nicklaus to win his sixth of eight total majors, and Israelson would go on to finish 63rd.

With the help of four birdies over his final nine holes Monday, Andrew Israelson posted a 3-under par 69 Monday at StoneRidge Golf Club to earn a share of medalist honors with Ross Miller to advance from the first stage of qualifying, in hopes of following in his father’s footsteps when the 2019 championship returns to Pebble Beach next month.

“I wanted to make the [U.S. Amateur] last year when it was at Pebble Beach, but I think it would be really special to somehow make it there and play in a U.S. Open where my dad played—and played pretty well.

“I told him I’d never put him on the bag when I was about 12, but I think I’d have to put him on the bag so he could reminisce a little bit.”

Miller, who is coming off of wins at the 2018 Tapemark Charity Pro-Am and Minnesota Golf Champions, as well as a runner-up finish at the Minnesota State Open, moves through the first stage of qualifying for the second time.

“The difference this time around was that I don’t think I truly believed I could qualify for the U.S. Open or make the cut. I believe that I can do that now,” Miller said Monday.

“Today was kind of up-and-down—it took me a couple of holes to get the nerves in check. I hit some good golf shots and made my way around. I have been playing pretty well so there are expectations. Usually having no expectations is good, but I haven’t played a competitive event in close to two months."

For the full story and complete tournament results, go to: http://www.mngolf.org/News/Israelson_and_Miller_Medal_Meyer_and_Polk_Advance_to_US_Open_Sectional_Qualifying