Chance for Pinehurst: Cheboygan's Maybank finishes third at U.S. Open local qualifier

DUNCAN, OKLAMHOMA. – Cheboygan native and golfer PJ Maybank III will have another shot to play in the United States Open in June.

Yes, that U.S. Open.

Maybank, currently a member of the University of Oklahoma men’s golf team, qualified for the sectional round for a second consecutive year by shooting a four-under 68 and finishing third overall at a U.S. Open local qualifier held at The Territory Golf & Country Club in Duncan, Oklahoma, on Monday.

“It means a lot to be able to go back to sectionals,” Maybank said. “Last year was my first year at sectionals. I know what it feels like when you’re trying to qualify for a major championship, so being able to go back there with more experience is cool. It’ll help me out a lot.”

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In 2023, Maybank qualified by finishing first during a local qualifier held at Muskegon Country Club. While he didn’t win on Monday, Maybank’s overall game was strong against a terrific field that featured Oklahoma native Thomas Johnson and California’s Kevin An, who also qualified by tying for first with five-under 67’s.

“I hit it great. I didn’t really get into any trouble,” Maybank said. “That course is pretty tight, and it was super windy. I just hit it really good to be honest. I hit 16 greens and only missed a couple fairways, and I got the ball up and down when I needed to. It was a pretty stress-free round.”

Next up for Maybank will be the sectional round, where he could play either in Dallas (Texas) or Columbus (Ohio). Final qualifying will take place at 10 sites throughout the U.S. on May 20 and June 3. The 2024 U.S. Open will be held at Pinehurst Resort (North Carolina), June 13-16.

“One day, 36 holes, you’ve just kind of got to have everything working for you that day,” Maybank said. “Anyone at sectionals can make it, everyone’s good. There’s lot of (PGA) Tour players that don’t quite have enough status or aren’t exempt into the U.S. Open. Last year, I played with Mark Hubbard, who’s had a great career. It’s basically all Tour players and the best college players.

“It takes a good day.”

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Maybank third at U.S. Open qualifier, will have chance to get to Pinehurst