May 10, 2012

TUCSON, Ariz. - A pair of Wildcat teammates won separate local qualifiers for the 2012 United States Open Championship.

Tyler Neal and Trey Denton each earned one-stroke victories this week and will move on to the sectional qualifying.

Neal, a native Tucson, Ariz., and a 2009 UA graduate, shot a 63 Tuesday at Lakewood Golf Club in New Orleans, La., to claim a one-stroke win and one of four spots in the sectional qualifier. His 63 was the lowest score posted by any player in any local qualifier to date.

Denton, a product of Canton, Miss., and a 2008 UA graduate, carded a 71 Wednesday at Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tenn., to win by a stroke and earn one of five slots in the sectional qualifier.

The duo, who played together in Tucson from 2005-08, combined for 18 top-20 finishes during their collegiate careers with 12 of those being top-10 efforts. Neal won the 2007 Wolf Pack Classic with a six-under 210 total.

The 11 U.S.-based sectional qualifiers will be held on June 4.