June 2, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Three University of South Carolina golfers advanced to the final stage of U.S. Open qualifying, which begins today at various sites. Mark Anderson, George Bryan IV and Chris Piumelli each advanced through local qualifying and are now in a 36-hole sectional qualifier with a chance to play in the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, which begins June 12.

Anderson shot 72 at Long Cove in Hilton Head to reach the sectional at Settindown Creek in Roswell, Ga. Incoming freshman Wesley Bryan also shot 72 in the local qualifier but lost in a six-hole playoff to narrowly miss advancing.

George Bryan IV played in the same local qualifier, carding a 71 to earn a spot in the sectional at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md.

Piumelli rounded out the trio with a 70 at Ridgeway Country Club in White Plains, N.Y., to move on to the sectional at Jupiter Hills in Tequesta, Fla.

Check back to GamecocksOnline.com to later this week to follow the progress of all three.