This week’s Crown Plaza Invitational at Colonial goes deeper than simply finding a winner at the end of four days. It is also crucial for those players on the fringe who are trying to qualify for the US Open.
The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings earn the right to play in the US Open, along with the top 10 on the PGA Tour’s money list and the top two in Europe. All other hopefuls must go through a 36-hole qualifying competition.
The US Open week takes in June 11-17 at Oakmont Country Club and is the second Major tournament of the season.
Among the players who need to perform well at Colonial is Paul Goydos, ranked 49. He is one place above Tim Clark with Boo Weekley, the Hilton Head champion and ranked 52, also trying to sneak into contention.
The 51st-ranked player, Lucas Glover, has already sealed his place in the US Open because of his top-30 finish in last year’s money list.
Argentina’s Angel Cabrera will be hoping for a repeat of his triumph of two years ago at the BMW Championship in Wentworth, England this week. Cabrera is ranked 53 and is in a better position than his American rivals because the event is one of the biggest on the European Tour and offers more ranking points than at Colonial.
Mark Calcavecchia is ranked 55 but will probably aim for a US Open place through the money list. Only about $78,000 short of the top 10, He needs to finish among the first 20 at Colonial to earn his place in Oakmont.