Clarkesville golfer’s U.S. Open dream ends at final qualifying

BALL GROUND, Ga. — Clarkesville golfer Jarrod Johnson‘s bid to earn a spot in the 2026 U.S. Open came to an end Monday at Hawks Ridge Golf Club, where he competed in final qualifying against a field that included PGA Tour professionals and some of the nation’s top amateur golfers.

Johnson entered the day after advancing through local qualifying in May, becoming one of a select group of golfers still in contention for a place in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Long Island, New York.

The 36-hole qualifier at Hawks Ridge awarded five spots in the field for the U.S. Open, scheduled for June 18-21.

Johnson got off to a strong start in the morning round, carding three birdies and one bogey for a 2-under-par 70. The round left him within striking distance heading into the afternoon’s second 18 holes.

The second round proved more difficult.

Johnson played his opening nine holes in even-par 36 before running into trouble on the back nine. After opening the side with a bogey, he followed with a quadruple-bogey 8 that effectively ended his chances of moving into contention for one of the five qualifying spots.

Johnson did not complete the second round, ending his day on the 17th hole.

While he fell short of qualifying for the national championship, reaching final qualifying marked a significant accomplishment for the Clarkesville business owner. Often referred to as “Golf’s Longest Day,” final qualifying is the final step before the U.S. Open and features current and former PGA Tour players competing alongside elite amateurs.

“The experience was phenomenal,” Johnson told Now Georgia after the round. “I couldn’t have asked for anything more, and the GSGA put on an amazing event. I’m looking forward to trying again next year.”

Former University of Georgia standout and PGA Tour winner Chris Kirk earned medalist honors at Hawks Ridge, finishing at 15-under par across the 36 holes. Another former Georgia golfer and PGA Tour professional, Keith Mitchell, secured one of the qualifying spots with a 12-under-par finish.

Joining Kirk and Mitchell in qualifying for the U.S. Open were Jake Peacock, Robbie Higgins and amateur Chase Kyes.

Although his U.S. Open run ended in Ball Ground, Johnson’s advancement through local qualifying and appearance in final qualifying placed him among a small percentage of golfers nationwide who remained in contention for a berth in one of golf’s four major championships.

The U.S. Open will be played at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, New York, from June 18-21.