Cameron Young Delivers Stunning Rally to Secure U.S. Open Spot
In a dramatic display of poise and precision, Cameron Young turned what looked like a missed opportunity into a moment of triumph. The 27-year-old PGA Tour standout mounted a late comeback in the final holes of a 36-hole U.S. Open qualifier at Canoe Brook Country Club on Monday, punching his ticket to the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
After falling behind early in the second round and sitting outside the cut line, Young went birdie-birdie-eagle on his final three holes — a scorching finish that secured him one of the coveted spots in golf’s toughest major.
“It was all about staying patient,” Young said afterward. “You never know what can happen if you keep giving yourself chances.”
Young, who is currently ranked No. 23 in the Official World Golf Ranking, entered the qualifier as one of the biggest names in the field but found himself battling inconsistent conditions and cold putting throughout the morning round.
By mid-afternoon, he was on the outside looking in, needing a near-perfect finish just to force a playoff. Instead, he did one better — launching a 265-yard second shot to within 10 feet on the par-5 18th and sinking the eagle putt to secure outright qualification.
The finish was one of the most dramatic moments in Monday’s coast-to-coast qualifiers, which included over 600 players vying for limited U.S. Open spots.
A Relief and a Revival
The win carries extra weight for Young, who had been under mounting pressure this season. Despite several strong showings on the PGA Tour, he had yet to claim a victory and risked missing his third consecutive major.
His close call at last year’s Open Championship and a runner-up finish at the 2022 British Open had built high expectations. Monday’s performance showed he still has the fire — and the finesse — to rise to the occasion.
“This game tests everything — your mind, your patience, and your will,” Young added. “Today was a good reminder that I can dig deep when I need to.”
What This Means for Pinehurst
Young’s return to the U.S. Open couldn’t come at a more intriguing time. Pinehurst No. 2 is renowned for its demanding greens, native areas, and strategic layout — a course where grit often beats glamour.
Young’s powerful driving and aggressive play style should serve him well, but he’ll need to maintain the razor-sharp putting touch he found in the final holes at Canoe Brook.
He joins a loaded U.S. Open field that includes Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka — setting the stage for what could be one of the most competitive majors in recent memory.
Sectional Qualifiers Deliver Drama
Monday’s 36-hole qualifiers across the country once again proved why they’re called “Golf’s Longest Day.” Not only do players face grueling physical demands, but every shot can be the difference between a dream and disappointment.
While Young was among the biggest names to make it through, other notables — including Sergio Garcia — fell just short. Young’s success will resonate throughout the tour as a reminder of just how fine the margins are, even for elite players.
Final Thoughts
In a game where one stroke can mean everything, Cameron Young’s clutch finish was a masterclass in resilience and competitive fire. His comeback wasn’t just about making the U.S. Open — it was about proving that under pressure, he’s still one of golf’s rising stars.
With momentum on his side and a spot secured in one of the year’s most prestigious events, all eyes will be on Young when he tees it up at Pinehurst this June.
