Zac Blair Secures Spot in U.S. Open for Third Consecutive Year

Zac Blair, a former golfer for Brigham Young University (BYU), has once again demonstrated his skill by qualifying for the U.S. Open, marking the third year in a row he will compete in this prestigious tournament. The 35-year-old from Plain City secured his place at Springfield Country Club in Ohio, where he shared medalist honors with Neal Shipley after both players recorded impressive scores of 8-under 132.

Blair's qualifying rounds consisted of a 64 and a 68, bringing his total to 132 and allowing him to advance to his fifth U.S. Open, scheduled for June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. Over the years, he has attempted to qualify at Springfield nine times, successfully making it through four times, which includes being medalist or co-medalist on three occasions.

A notable figure in Utah golf, Blair was an All-American at BYU during the 2012-13 season, winning four tournaments. His fellow competitors at the Springfield qualifying included Dylan Wu, Billy Horschel, and Nick Hardy, who each shot 7-under 133 to secure the remaining three spots available.

Last year, Blair made headlines at the U.S. Open held at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh when he made a remarkable 125-yard putt during a practice round. However, he was unable to make the cut after finishing 11-over par. In 2024, he performed better, concluding the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina tied for 26th place.

Meanwhile, fellow Utah golfer Tony Finau attempted to qualify but fell short, finishing with a score that left him just two shots shy of advancing. Finau, who has participated in 11 consecutive U.S. Opens, shot a first-round 65 but could only manage an even-par 70 in his second round.

In a disappointing turn, Patrick Fishburn, another player with Utah ties, faced heartbreak during his qualifying attempt. Despite a solid score of 6-under 134 at Lambton Golf and Country Club in Canada, he entered an eight-man playoff but was unable to advance after making bogeys on the first hole.