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U.S. Open qualifying an emotional, eclectic experience

POWELL, Ohio – The 36-hole grind for 13 spots in the U.S. Open started just after sunrise on Monday.

For some players, like former world No. 1 Luke Donald, the grind didn’t end until just after sunrise on Tuesday, in a six-for-five playoff.

It was the end to another wild U.S. Open sectional qualifier in Columbus.

Players from all corners of the game teed off Monday at Kinsale and Wedgewood Golf and Country Club with the same goal – a tee time in 10 days at Oakmont.

The field of 103 included many top pros like Donald, Gary Woodland, Camilo Villegas, Brendan Steele, Adam Hadwin and Kevin Streelman, who just hours before were competing for one of the biggest PGA Tour titles of the year at Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament.