HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University men's golfer James Hassell earned a place in Final Qualifying for the 126th U.S. Open Championship on Wednesday afternoon in Vero Beach, Florida.

Hassell shot 4-under-par 68 in his hometown on the Moorings at Hawk's Nest course. He was one of five golfers to qualify for a spot at the U.S. Open Championship at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 18-21 in Southampton, N.Y.

"This is my first time in Final Qualifying, but I never attempted to qualify until last year before coming to HPU," Hassell said. "I am really looking forward to the experience, known as the longest day in golf. It's going to be a brutal mental and physical grind, and I am excited to be a part of that group."
 
Heading into the qualifying stage, Hassell was fresh off a top-10 finish at the Big South Championship which included back-to-back rounds of 68. The redshirt sophomore called his qualifying performance solid, and when he didn't see the initial shot he wanted, his up-and-down game backed him up.  
 
He was 2-under-par after two straight birdies to finish the front nine, and then bounced back from a double-bogey on 10 with a birdie and eagle on hole 13 and 14, respectively. He birdied once more on hole 17 to finish 4-under-par 68 and secure his spot for Final Qualifying.  
 
With three consecutive impressive rounds, Hassell has been reassured that his training is preparing him as he will continue to lean on it with his advancement to the next stage.
 
"It means a lot to make Final Qualifying," Hassell said, "and seeing the results from the end of the season and now carrying it over into the U.S. Open Championship makes me feel like I'm doing the right things during my practice sessions."