The U.S. Open takes place next week, and there already is one incredible story.
Fifteen-year-old Cole Hammer of Houston shot 64-68 at Dallas' Northwood Club to qualify for the June 18-21 championship at Chambers Bay.
Hammer birdied four of his final five holes in the sectional qualifier to secure a spot in the year's second major.
The Dallas Morning News reports Hammer will be the fourth-youngest player to compete in the Open.
When Hammer hit his approach on 18 to 4 feet, he drew loud applause from club members and fans on the patio above the picturesque hole where Julius Boros accepted his Open trophy 63 years ago.
"This means the world to me," Hammer said. "I've dreamed about it my whole life. It's going to be awesome."
Meet 15-year-old Cole Hammer, who was among the @usopengolf qualifiers at the Dallas sectional: http://t.co/ZA6aHAW6dS
— Golfweek Magazine (@GolfweekMag) June 9, 2015
With a growth spurt over the last 10 months, Hammer has added 4 inches and 15 pounds -- to 5-9, 125.
The distance increase helped him stay with playing partners Martin Flores, a PGA Tour player from Fort Worth, and Jon Trasamar of Blue Earth, Minn. (Flores fell three short of the qualifying number.)
"This gives me a lot of confidence," Hammer said. "I was coming in thinking I was a bit of a long shot, but why not? Just give it my best shot."
Having won four of his last five junior events, Hammer had momentum on his side as he shot a six-birdie, no-bogey 64 in the morning.
After going 24 holes without a bogey, he made his first on No. 7 and then bogeyed 12.
"I was confident," he said. "I've been hitting it well and putting well, so I thought if I continue doing that here I'll have a chance."
Hammer has already committed to the University of Texas.
