Staff WriterBy the time the last putt dropped at Walton Heath, it was Jordan Smith standing tallest—both on the leaderboard and in the eyes of those who witnessed one of the finest qualifying displays in recent memory.
With rounds of 64 and 70, the Englishman surged to ten under par and clinched top honours at the U.S. Open Final Qualifying, securing his ticket to Oakmont Country Club for golf’s most exacting test from June 12–15.
For Jordan Smith, this will mark his third U.S. Open appearance. And if he plays anything like he did in Surrey, he won’t be there to make up the numbers.
“Smith by name, but this was artisan work,” one could say after watching his ball-striking clinic over both the Old and New Courses. His tidy 36-hole total was enough to lead a pack of eight qualifiers, each now headed for the game’s grittiest crucible.
Jordan Smith (ENG): I’m really, really happy. I am really looking forward to that week. I have heard that it is going to be absolutely brutal, they don’t want any under par scores winning so it’s going to be good fun, a good test and I’m just really happy with how I played today and how the game helped me out.
I have been playing good for the last couple of months. It was all sort of getting it together on the right week. It was probably one of my best putting displays for a long time today so that always helps but I did feel confident coming into the day.
I can’t remember anything about 2016 (when Oakmont last hosted the U.S. Open) because my memory is terrible. I am going to try and get there fairly early, have a couple of practice rounds because it is going to be tricked up with the rough and you are going to need to know where to miss if you do end up in the rough, and there will probably be some slick putts. I am just really looking forward to it.
Behind him, four-time DP World Tour winner Guido Migliozzi wasn’t about to let Smith have all the fun. The Italian carded a 68 followed by a breezy 67, finishing just a shot adrift on nine under.
Having tied fourth at Torrey Pines in 2021, Migliozzi has shown he knows how to navigate U.S. Open punishment—and he’ll fancy another dance with destiny this June.
Guido Migliozzi (ITA): It’s been a long day and a battle, a bit of a roller coaster today on the course but overall it’s been a great day and I’m pleased that I could do it and go back to one of my favourite tournaments.
I was a little bit upset after the bogey-bogey finish to the first 18 holes, but it happens: you can have great breaks or bad breaks. Overall, we had another 18 holes ahead, so I’m pleased that I started the second round strong at four under par after four holes. That gave me some confidence to go through the other holes but there was pressure as well. It was a great day.
I’ve been driving the ball very well today so on 18 (in the second round) all I was trying to do was reach in the bunker because with that front pin, from the bunker was not a difficult shot. I missed the bunker on the left but it was a great chip and I was very happy.
I’ve never played (Oakmont) but it’s the atmosphere, the conditions of the golf course that is incredible and I’m so happy I will go back. Hopefully I will have fun and try to go as low as I can.
Honestly, these kind of days are also like practice days (for Soudal). It’s great to see and prove where your level is. Overall, I managed to shoot nine under par and make it through but looking back I can say I made some very stupid mistakes. But every golf day is a learning day and it was great.
He’ll be joined on that number by Frederic Lacroix of France and Joakim Lagergren of Sweden, who both punched their ticket to their first Major Championship appearances.
One suspects they’ll find Oakmont’s hospitality a little less accommodating than Walton Heath, but for now, there’s nothing but joy for the two debutants.
Sam Bairstow, who earned his spot through the same qualifier last year, made it a repeat performance.
He sealed the deal with a nervy birdie on his 36th hole to finish at eight under par, just enough to dodge the logjam that awaited one shot back.
And what a logjam it was. Six players tied on seven under par—an all-star queue that required extra holes to separate the lucky from the unlucky.
Edoardo Molinari, Ryder Cup Vice Captain and qualifying veteran, again proved he’s got plenty of competitive fire left in the tank.
He advanced alongside Jacques Kruyswijk and Andrea Pavan, both of whom handled the pressure like men who’ve been there before—even if they hadn’t.
That left Matthew Jordan and Robin Williams—no, not that one—grabbing the consolation prize: alternate spots. Oakmont may yet call on them, should fate (or blisters) intervene.
In all, it was a dramatic day at Walton Heath, the kind that makes the qualifier one of the great hidden gems of the golfing calendar.
And for Jordan Smith, it was confirmation that form, class, and a bit of good old-fashioned English grit still go a long way.
Oakmont awaits—and something says he won’t just be there for the clubhouse buffet.
