Cary golfer added to US Open field

Zach Edmondson of Cary is headed to Oakmont Country Club as a late addition into the U.S. Open Championship field.

Edmondson, who played college golf at East Carolina, was the first alternate out of the U.S. Golf Association’s sectional qualifier last week in Jacksonville, Fla. He was notified Sunday night that he had earned a spot in the 156-player field for this week’s Open at Oakmont.

Edmondson, 25, will be playing in his first U.S. Open and first major championship. He competes on PGA Tour Canada’s Mackenzie Tour.

“We are really proud of Zach and excited that he gets this opportunity to compete for our national championship,” ECU men’s golf coach Press McPhaul said in a statement. “He has shown toughness and resiliency in his pro career. This opportunity is a good reward for that effort.”

Edmondson, who played at ECU from 2009-13, carded a 6-under 138 total during the 36-hole tournament at the Timuquana Country Club to tie for third-place, forcing a five-way playoff for the final qualifying spot for the sectional. Following two playoff holes, Edmondson earned the first-alternate spot.

Five alternates were added to the Open field by the USGA.

This story was originally published June 13, 2016 at 5:03 PM with the headline "Cary golfer added to US Open field."