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This 119th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach next week will have some UConn flavor as former Husky golfer Eric Dietrich has qualified after winning one of 12 sectional qualifiers.
With a firm course and the ability to consistently drive the ball, Dietrich shot a 67 and 66 over two 18-hole rounds (-11 overall) to win the Walla Walla, Washington sectional at Wine Valley Golf Club.
Following his time at UConn, Dietrich turned pro in 2017, qualifying for the Mackenzie Tour-PGA Tour Canada. He chose the Walla Walla qualifier due to its proximity and convenience with his tour schedule.
“I was up in Victoria already and this was kind of the only one that worked,” Dietrich said.
We caught up with medalist Eric Dietrich who fired rounds of 67-66 for an 11-under total, earning a spot in the #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/11G4VE5n03
— Washington State Golf Association (WSGA) (@theWSGA) June 4, 2019
The Cheshire, Connecticut native golfed at UConn from 2013-17, serving as the Huskies’ captain during his senior season. As a junior, Dietrich was named an American Athletic All-Conference selection and also garnered All-New England and PING All-Northeast Region honors.
“I seemed to be in complete control of my game today,” Dietrich said. “The ball seemed to go wherever I wanted it to go. ... I’m not usually a scoreboard watcher, but after three consecutive birdies to start my back nine in the afternoon round, I took a look and thought if I can just bring it to the house I might make it.”