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Former Bison golf star headed to U.S. Open
A former McCook High School standout golfer has reached a lofty goal and will rub elbows next week with some of the world's top performers.
Brandon Crick has earned a spot on one of pro golf's biggest stages. Crick has qualified for the 2013 U.S. Open.
The prestigious United States professional golf championship tournament and one of four pro golf's annual major competitions is scheduled June 10-16 at the Merion Golf Club's East Course in Ardmore, Penn.
Crick finished in a tie for sixth in a United States Golf Association (USGA) sectional qualifying tournament Monday at the Colonial Country Club in Memphis, Tenn.
THE FORMER McCook star survived an arduous day of golf in Memphis Monday. A total of 112 U.S. Open hopefuls played 36 holes of golf, competing for nine berths in the prestigious national championship tournament at Merion next week.
Brandon carded a two-under par 70 on his opening 18 holes Monday at the South Course at Colonial. On his second 18 Monday at the Colonial North Course, Crick shot a three-under 68. Crick's 36-hole total of 138 strokes tied for sixth overall in the Memphis sectional meet.
Crick had just two bogeys in Monday's opening 18 holes. He birdied three of the last eight holes to close out his round of 70. On his second 18 at the North Course, Brandon strung together four consecutive birdies on holes 5-8 and had just two bogey holes.
Kevin Sutherland of Sacramento, Calif. turned in the best score in Monday's qualifier with a 10-under 133.
The former Bison standout earned a shot at sectional qualifying by tying for first with an 18-hole score of 69 in a local qualifying tournament at Omaha's Shadow Ridge Country Club May 14.
CRICK WAS ONE of the top golfers in Bison history. The 2006 McCook High School graduate was a three-time state meet medalist, finishing second at the 2003 Class B state meet behind teammate Ty Lawson. A year later, Crick was third and Lawson sixth at state to lead the Bison to a second consecutive Class B state team championship.
Crick missed a top 10 individual finish at state his junior year, but he came back in his final shot at state to place third to help the Bison finish in a tie for second in the final Class B state meet team standings.
After his stellar Bison prep career, Crick took his talents to Gonzaga University. He transferred back home and competed for his final two years of college eligibility at Nebraska.
Crick lettered two years for the Huskers (2009-10), winning four individual collegiate tournament titles. According to a story on the Nebraska athletic department web site: Huskers.com, Crick's 18-hole career stroke average of 73.32 ranks second on Nebraska's all-time men's golf chart.
"I'm really happy for Brandon," Nebraska head coach Bill Spangler said. "The Open will not only be a thrill for him but a wonderful experience. I wouldn't be surprised if he performs very well at Merion."
CRICK CAME back to McCook last summer to compete in the annual John Mullen Pro-Am for the first time as a professional golfer. He finished third in the 36-hole pro division of the tournament played at his home course, Heritage Hills Golf Course. Crick had a big thrill during Saturday's opening 18 holes of competition last June when he tied the Heritage Hills course record with a 10-under par 62.
Crick was scheduled to return to McCook this weekend for the 25th anniversary of the Mullen Pro-Am. But he will likely withdraw from the McCook tournament and head to Pennsylvania to start preparing for the U.S. Open.