What the Super Bowl is to the NFL and the World Series is to Major League Baseball, the US Open is to professional golf. Former K-Stater Aaron Watkins will play in golf’s national championship next week after punching his ticket on Tuesday at a sectional qualifier. He’ll become the first Wildcat since 1987 to play in the US Open. Nine tournament berths were up for grabs among 84 golfers at Germantown Country Club in Memphis, and Watkins tied for second with an 8-under par 134. He will now take his place among the best players in the world at Olympic Club in San Francisco, with practice rounds next Monday thru Wednesday, and tournament play beginning Thursday.
Watkins became the second former Wildcat to earn his PGA tour card in 2009, but has spent this season on the Nationwide Tour. His best finish came three weeks ago with a tie for 5th at the BMW Charity Pro-Am in South Carolina. Watkins currently sits 61st on the Nationwide money list with the top 25 players at the end of the season earning their PGA tour card.
