HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University men's golfer James Hassell qualified for the 126th U.S. Amateur Championship on Monday afternoon in Sarasota, Florida. This will be Hassell's first time qualifying for this event in his career and the second event he's qualified for this summer.

Hassell shot 3-under-par 69 at the U.S. Amateur Final Qualifier at the Sara Bay Country Club and placed second in the event. He was one of four golfers to qualify for a spot at the U.S. Amateur which will take place on August 10-16 at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.

"I was super excited to just start the qualifier," Hassell said. "I had been playing well and had a good practice round with some good memories coming back from the course."
 
Hassell was 1-under par through the front nine after landing a birdie on hole nine. He remained steady through the back nine and after going even on hole 16, he sunk a birdie and an eagle on the final two holes of the day.
 
"I hit it solid all day," Hassell added. "I kept giving myself looks but they didn't fall until holes 17 and 18, finishing birdie, eagle. A long putt on the last hole, after a day of barely missing, was an awesome feeling."
 
"I am very proud to have qualified," Hassell stated. "I really wanted to play in a U.S. Amateur and to do that and represent alongside one of my teammates is very special."
 
Hassell will join teammate Tully Super at the U.S. Amateur next month.