Former Marquette Golfer Mike Van Sickle Added To 2016 US Open Field

On Monday, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced the final six members of the 156 player field for the 2016 U.S. Open, which begins play on Thursday, June 16th. Mike Van Sickle, arguably the best golfer in Marquette golf history, was one of those six players.

The USGA left six spots in the tournament open for players that moved up into the top 60 spots in the Official World Golf Rankings but hadn’t otherwise qualified for the U.S. Open. Only one player qualified under those standards, meaning the USGA had five more spots to fill. They took the first alternates from the sectional qualifying to complete the field, and that’s how Van Sickle will now tee off at 5:56 am Central time at Oakmont Country Club.

Van Sickle, who is Marquette’s all time leader in scoring average (71.64) and wins (11), shot 71-67 at his sectional to finish in a three way tie for the final two spots available at Woodmont Country Club in Maryland. He missed a four foot putt for par in the playoff to end up as the first alternate from that qualifier. Once he tees off on Thursday, Van Sickle will become the first Marquette golfer to ever compete in one of the four major tournaments.

Fox Sports has the broadcast rights for the U.S. Open. You’ll be able to watch Thursday's and Friday’s rounds on FS1 from 9am Central through 4pm Central, with things switching over to Fox from 4pm until 7pm. All of the coverage will also be streamed on Fox Sports Go. The USGA will also have limited streaming through the first two days of the tournament with two featured groups and a selection of featured holes.