June 5, 2025 – By Justin Linn
On June 2, 2025, the pressure was sky high at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Maryland. Eighty-four golfers battled through 36 holes in one day, all chasing the same dream: a spot in the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. Known in the golf world as โGolfโs Longest Day,โ the final qualifying tournament was held on Woodmontโs North Course a demanding track that has hosted U.S. Open qualifying 38 times since 1964.
After a marathon of golf under humid skies and heavy expectations, four players emerged from the field to secure their tickets to Oakmont: Trevor Cone, Marc Leishman, Ryan McCormick, and amateur Bryan Lee.
Standout Golfers
Trevor Cone, a 31 year old Virginia Tech alum and current PGA Tour professional, led the field with steady play across both rounds. His sharp ball striking and patience on the fast Woodmont greens paid off, helping him edge past some more experienced players. Coneโs qualification marks his first career U.S. Open appearance.
One of the biggest stories of the day came from Bryan Lee, a standout amateur who impressed with his maturity and shot making. Playing against seasoned professionals, Lee posted a great back nine to land in a three-way tie for third, forcing a playoff. Despite his amateur status, Lee kept his composure, got through the playoff hole, and earned a spot in what will be his first major championship start.
Australian veteran Marc Leishman, who now plays for LIV Golf, joined Lee in the playoff alongside Colombian Sebastiรกn Muรฑoz. Leishman, a six-time PGA Tour winner, shot rounds of 70 and 69 to finish at three-under par. On the par three sixth hole in the playoff, he calmly hit the green and two putted, grabbing one of the final two spots. His qualification extends a long career that has seen him contend in majors before.
Ryan McCormick, a Korn Ferry Tour regular from New Jersey, rounded out the list of qualifiers. McCormick, 32, posted one of the most balanced scorecards of the day, managing Woodmontโs long par 4s and tricky bunkering with precision. For McCormick, it will be his U.S. Open debut.
Sebastiรกn Muรฑoz, despite matching Leishman and Leeโs scores over 36 holes, was the odd man out in the playoff. The former PGA Tour winner came up short on the extra hole, giving the edge to Leishman and Lee.
Heartbreaking Disqualification
There were other dramatic moments throughout the day, none more heartbreaking than the disqualification of Nick Barrett.
The 31 year old UPS driver from Catonsville, Maryland, was playing in the biggest tournament of his life, surrounded by supportive family and friends. After carding a solid first round 73, Barrett inadvertently failed to submit his scorecard within the 10 minute post-round window. He had mistakenly placed the scorecard in his pocket during lunch and turned it in nearly 20 minutes late. Despite the circumstances and a plea for leniency, officials enforced the rule, ending his hopes of advancing.
Woodmontโs North Course once again proved a formidable challenge. Playing just under 7,000 yards, its tree-lined fairways, difficult greens, and breezy wind conditions required strategy and stamina especially over 36 holes in a single day. For those who advanced, the effort was worth it. For those who didnโt, the day offered a reminder of just how narrow the margins are at golfโs highest level.
Four Move On to Oakmont
Now, Cone, Lee, Leishman, and McCormick will turn their attention to Oakmont, one of the most iconic and brutal courses in U.S. Open history. There, from June 12โ15, theyโll join a world class field including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau.
For the four qualifiers, surviving the Woodmont gauntlet was the first major hurdle. The next test looms even larger. But for now, they can savor a hard earned entry into one of golfโs most prestigious championships.
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