The Valencia Country Club hosted the final qualifiers for the U.S. Open, known as the longest day in golf. Eighty-four golfers played 36 holes in one day.
“A grind is a perfect word. It’s 36 holes. It’s a long day. We’re out here probably for 10 to 12 hours,” said Joey Herrera, U.S. Open Golfer.
Only four winners are moving on to the US Open. One of those winners, Zachary Polo, placed third overall, shooting six under par.
“I didn’t need to go low on the second round. I knew I just needed to stay around par, but I also wanted to make sure I wasn’t protecting, so I just wanted to keep doing what I was doing, and it worked out,” said Polo.
But for Herrera, 36 holes wouldn’t be enough. Herrera finished tied for fourth and needed a playoff round to decide the final spot.
” I try to hit good golf shots. Whatever happens, happens. But I’m just going to try and go through my routine and try and feel like it’s a normal round of golf,” said Herrera.
After sinking this putt, the playoff ended in a tie, meaning Herrera had to return the next day for another round, which he won.
Over 12 hours of golf later, 80 golfers went home, and four moved on for an opportunity of a lifetime.
