Andy Zhang, 14, to be youngest Open competitor
- By Jason Sobel
- Jun 11, 2012 9:04 PM ET
SAN FRANCISCO – At an age when most kids are primarily concerned with their paper route or baseball card collection, 14-year-old Andy Zhang will make history this week as the youngest U.S. Open competitor ever.
After losing in a playoff at the Lecanto, Fla., sectional qualifier, Zhang entered the week as the second alternate in the field. He moved up one spot when Brandt Snedeker was replaced by another teenager, Jordan Spieth, then got into the field when oft-injured Paul Casey was also forced to withdraw.
At 14 years, 6 months, Zhang is nearly a full year younger than the previously youngest U.S. Open competitor. Tadd Fujikawa set the prior mark back in 2006.
A native of China, Zhang lives in the United States, attending the IMG Leadbetter Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
He will play in the 11:21 a.m. ET group on Thursday at The Olympic Club alongside Hiroyuki Fujita and Mark Wilson.
-
Tags: US Open
Related Articles
U.S. Women's Open sectional qualifying results
by Golf Channel Digital | May 22, 2013 12:02 PM ETSectional qualifying results for the U.S. Women's Open to be contested June 27-30 at Sebonack Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. Read More
U.S. Open local qualifying results
by Golf Channel Digital | May 17, 2013 11:43 AM ETLocal qualifying results for the 113th U.S. Open to be contested at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., June 13-16. Read More
With baby due, Oosthuizen may miss U.S. Open
by Will Gray | May 14, 2013 5:45 PM ETWith his wife expected to deliver their third child during the week of the U.S. Open, Louis Oosthuizen explained Tuesday he likely won't tee it up at Merion as a result. Read More
Sobel has covered golf since 2004 and provides columns, blogs, chats for Golf Channel.
Latest News
- Euro chief: Sergio has several 'colored' friends
- Garcia calls O'Grady's remarks 'unfortunate'
- Zoeller expects Garcia controversy to 'blow over'
- Sergio's 'chicken' jab | Apology | Tiger: Hurtful
- Palmer answers challenge | At a glance | Scores
- Stars stumble in BMW PGA | 41 by Rory | Scores
- Grill Room: Trevino regrets 'Happy Gilmore' cameo
- USGA, R&A ban anchored stroke | Explanation
- Anchor lawyer: Hope for best, prepare for worst
- Haas, Waldorf co-lead Sr. PGA Champ. | Scores
- LPGA Bahamas going 12 holes in Rd. 1 | Tee times
- Tip of the Week: Stop scooping your chip shots
