Former A&M Standout Gates Qualifies for 2010 U.S. Open Championship
Jun 09, 2010 | Men's Golf
June 9, 2010
Former Texas A&M golf standout Bobby Gates qualified for the 2010 U.S. Open and will compete in the prestigious golf major championship at the Pebble Beach Golf Links June 17-20 in California.
Gates, who lettered for the Aggies from 2005-08, earned his spot at the U.S. Open with a runner-up finish at a sectional qualifier at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas on Tuesday. After 36 holes, Gates had shot rounds of 69 and 68 was tied for second with PGA Tour veteran Roland Thatcher at 7-under behind winner Bob Estes (-8). A birdie on the second playoff hole gave Gates the second and final qualifying spot.
“It has been a lot of fun watching Bobby's progress this year and to see him come into his own,” Aggie golf coach J.T. Higgins said. “I have never doubted he would be a great professional golfer but he is way ahead of the curve. His game sets up great for the US Open because he hits it high and soft but I also think he has the course management skills and mental skills to compete in a major championship. I just think he can keep it around par on any course in any conditions and that is always a key to competing in the Open. We are all proud of him and happy for him and wish him the best of luck next week.”
Gates has competed in 10 events on the Nationwide Tour and ranks third on the money list. He won the 2010 Michael Hill New Zealand Open and has finished in the top 10 two other times. Gates also competed in the Valero Texas Open on the PGA Tournament, and shot rounds of 72-77.
