David Lingmerth topped the sixth-ranked player in the world in a playoff Sunday at the $6.2 million Memorial Tournament, but he’ll watch the U.S. Open from home after he slept two hours and failed the 36-hole test.
The Road to Chambers Bay proved a bit smoother for a slumping former world No. 1, a Champions Tour regular and a 15-year-old high-school freshman, all of whom earned their spot in the field through sectional qualifying on Monday.
Gotta love golf’s ultimate meritocracy.
Here are the five best stories to emerge from one of the most fascinating days in golf:
MICHAEL PUTNAM: Imagine all of the pressure he felt to get through – and then the relief after he closed with 64 to lead the toughest sectional.