Former Big Bend, Chiles golf standout Parker Bell qualifies for 2024 US Open
Former Chiles golf star and Big Bend standout Parker Bell is heading to the 124th US Open.
The current University of Florida sophomore earned his way into one of golf's four majors by shooting a three-under score at the Dallas Athletic Club qualifier on May 20, winning a playoff round to book his spot in the US Open.
Bell, a three-time All-Big Bend Golfer of the Year and 3A individual state champion faced PGA tour legend and former Masters champion Sergio Garica in the playoff, with the Tallahassee native sinking a birdie on the final hole of play to win and book a ticket to Pinehurst in June.
The Dallas qualifier is part of the USGA's US Open qualifying process, allowing golfers from across the globe to compete in local tournaments and play for a spot in one of golf's most prestigious events.
This will be Bell's first appearance in a major. He nearly qualified for an amateur spot in the 2024 Masters, falling in the 2023 US Amateur semifinals to eventual winner Nick Dunlap.
Bell established himself as one of the top golfers on the Gators roster this season.
Competing in nine events, Bell had a best finish of tied for second place with a tournament score of 10 under par at the Schenkel Invite. He placed top 10 in four events and posted a 71.5 stroke average.
The 124th US Open will be played at Pinehurst Country Club, course No. 2, in Pinehurst Village, North Carolina. The tournament's first round starts on June 13.
Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Parker Bell, former Chiles, Big Bend golf standout qualifies for US Open
