Adam Scott needs qualifying to earn U.S. Open spot and extend Major streak

Former Masters champion Adam Scott qualified for the U.S. Open Monday in Columbus, Ohio, to extend his Major Championship appearance streak to 68.

Adam Scott found himself in an unfamiliar position Monday in Columbus, Ohio.

The 2013 Masters champion had to go through U.S. Open qualifying to earn his place at Shinnecock Hills next week. He came through, two-putting for par on the final hole to post rounds of 66-72 and earn the last of 14 spots available at the Columbus qualifier.

By qualifying for the U.S. Open, Scott will extend his consecutive Major Championship appearance streak to 68. He has played every Major since the 2001 Open Championship. Only Sergio Garcia, at 76, has a longer active streak.

“I am pumped. It has been an epic day. I haven’t played one of these in a long time but I really did enjoy playing today,” he said after the round.

Scott wasn’t sure he was going to play the qualifier. The 37-year-old Australian has played the last five weeks on the PGA Tour in an attempt to improve his world ranking. The top 60 on the Official World Golf Rankings earn automatic entry into the U.S. Open.

He had a chance to do that at the Memorial Tournament last weekend. Scott came into the final round tied for 11th, but a one-over 71 saw him fall to 35th. With the finish his ranking only increased to 64th. He did not speak to the media following the round, but did mention he was “unsure” if he was going to play the qualifier.

Scott admits the streak means something, but he still feels he has a chance to win.

“It’s a nice streak to keep going but it will be better if I win the U.S. Open. I am playing all these majors to win them not just to show up, so I’d like to make the most of this opportunity,” he said. “Today was a bit of a grind but somehow I’ve snuck through. The form has been coming around, so if I can have a nice week this week preparing and get myself in shape, I am really looking forward to Shinnecock.

Shane Lowry and Sungjae Im tied for first at the Columbus qualifier. Lowry was runner-up in the Open at Oakmont two years ago, while Im currently leads the Web.com Tour money list. Scott wasn’t the only past Major winner to have to qualify, as 2011 PGA Champion Keegan Bradley also earned his way to Shinnecock in third.

One player who is more familiar with another sport also qualified. Garrett Rank, a Canadian amateur who is a referee in the National Hockey League, earned his spot at the qualifer in Roswell, Georgia. Retief Goosen, however, failed to qualify. Goosen won the last U.S. Open played at Shinnecock in 2004.

Next: Complete List of U.S. Open Winners

Players have a last chance to qualify for the U.S. Open if they finish in the top 60 on the world rankings after the FedEx St. Jude Classic this week. Scott withdrew from that event after Monday’s qualifier.