Barnes and Fraser qualify for US Open

Kurt Barnes has celebrated a memorable 34^th birthday by qualifying for the US Open together with fellow Aussie Marcus Fraser.

Fraser at the US Open Qualifier on Monday (photo: USGA)

Teeing up in the US Open Sectional Qualifying – Asia which was held in Japan, Barnes survived a five man playoff to earn his spot in the year’s second Major.

One of the most gruelling days in golf, Sectional Qualifying requires players to play 36 holes in a day.

Barnes opened his first round with a birdie before posting a 5-under 67. He backed this up with a 6-under 66 in the second round to finish the day on 11-under the card and tied third with five players.

It took Barnes two playoff holes, before a birdie ensured his place at Chambers Bay in June.

"There wasn’t too much pressure in the playoff, it was five guys for three spots so I knew I had a really good chance," said Barnes.

"I did exactly what I had done in the previous 36 holes, stuck to my routine, committed to targets and made positive swings at those targets."

"It’s very exciting and a very special birthday present," added Barnes.

This will be Barnes debut at the US Open however he does have Major experience having competed in The Open in 2010 and 2011.

"Chambers Bay looks a little like a links style course. I am looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to be playing in my third Major," added Barnes.

"I can’t wait to get over there, enjoy the moment and play some great golf."

Also earning a place into the US Open via a five man playoff was Marcus Fraser at Sectional Qualifying – Europe.

Fraser, who played the New Course at Walton Heath Golf Club, fired rounds of 69 and 70 to finish 5-under the card.

His birdie on the first playoff hole ensures he will compete in the US Open for a third time.

Nine Australians teed up in the Asian Sectional Qualifying with Nathan Holman the next best placed behind Barnes however he finished two shots outside of the playoff.

New Zealand Open champion Jordan Zunic is also showing good signs in his game, firing 8-under the card over the two rounds. He will now take a week off before using the first of his three Japan Tour invites earned thanks to his victory in Queenstown.

Six Australians teed up in the European Sectional Qualifying with Andrew Dodt the next best placed Aussie behind Fraser. Dodt, who earned back his European Tour card via Qualifying School this year, has already cemented his place on the Tour with a win but a Major debut wasn’t to be, he finished two shots outside of the playoff.