Zac Blair faced a challenging start during the US Open qualifying in Ohio, realizing he needed a standout performance to make it into the tournament. Despite early setbacks, he managed to shoot a 65 in the second round, securing his spot in the field. "It was stressful, trying to execute without making mistakes," Blair admitted to The Salt Lake Tribune. "But I pulled it together."
Blair's strategy paid off during the actual tournament round, where he played a stress-free game, carding an even-par 70. His solid performance, which included hitting 14 greens in regulation, placed him tied for 17th alongside big names like Brooks Koepka and Collin Morikawa.
In contrast, Utah's Tony Finau took a different approach, relying on his powerful driving game to gain an edge at Pinehurst. He averaged an impressive 321 yards off the tee, ranking high in both fairways hit and strokes gained off the tee. Finau's strategy, reminiscent of last year's performance, saw him finish two shots better than Blair at two-under par, positioning him just outside the top five.
Blair's game, known for its precision in approach shots, shone through as he gained nearly three strokes on the field in this category. Despite not being among the longest hitters, he capitalized on opportunities like a close wedge shot on the 13th hole and a precise approach on the third, converting them into birdies. His calculated playstyle, which contrasts sharply with Finau's power game, proved effective in navigating the challenging course conditions.
Meanwhile, Finau's performance was bolstered by an improved putting display, a critical area where he's struggled this season. Ranking 20th in the field for putting during the opening round, Finau sank notable putts including a 33-footer for birdie on the 18th hole and two crucial par saves from bunkers.
Looking ahead, both Blair and Finau are scheduled for afternoon tee times on Friday as they aim to secure their places in the weekend rounds. For Blair, this opportunity marks his second made cut at a major this year, following his T53 finish at the PGA Championship. Finau, with consistent showings in previous majors, seeks to improve upon his T55 at the Masters and T18 at the PGA Championship earlier this season.
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