Former Rocket Doug Batty Qualifies for 2009 United States Open
6/9/2009 6:30:00 PM | Men's Golf
TOLEDO, OH ? Former Rocket golfer Doug Batty qualified for the 109th United States Open on Monday when he carded an even-par 144 (74-70) at the par-72, 6,883-yard Saticoy Country Club in Somis, CA. After shooting a two-over par 74 in the first round, the Whangarei, New Zealand native overcame a slow start to his second round by birdieing six of 10 holes during one stretch.
Batty, who has been playing on the Canadian Tour the last two years, finished second in a four-way playoff for three spots which was held on the par-five 18th hole. He hit his first shot down the middle of the fairway and hit his third shot to within two feet to secure his spot after Scott Lewis bogeyed the hole.
Batty will now compete in next week's U.S. Open at Bethpage State Park's Black Course in Farmingdale, NY on June 18-21. The par-70, 7,426-yard course also served as the host for the 2002 U.S. Open.
Batty played one year for the Rockets and helped UT capture the 2004 Mid-American Conference Championship as well as advance to the 2004 NCAA Championship. He registered a 75.7 stroke average with his best performance coming with a one-over par 217 (74-72-71) and an 11th-place showing at New Mexico's Tucker Invitational.
2009 U.S. Open Qualifier (Saticoy Country Club, Somis, CA)
1. Charlie Wi (Korea) 71-70=141
2. Douglas Batty (New Zealand) 74-70=144
Michael Miles (Huntington Beach, CA) 72-72=144
Nathan Tyler (Tucson, AZ) 71-73=144
Scott Lewis (Henderson, NV) 74-70=144
