U.S. Open Final Qualifying

It was around 9 p.m. on June 3 when more than 100 club members and interested spectators were gathered around the 12th green at Springfield Country Club. The sun was setting, and Cameron Davis and Adam Scott were locked in a playoff to determine who would qualify through to the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

Davis did. The playoff was followed closely because Scott hadn’t missed a major since 2001. Final qualifying, known as “golf’s longest day,” takes place over 36 holes, and occasionally more. “The event is really good for our club and our community,” says Chad Dorrell, the superintendent at the Ohio club since 2003.

“It’s exciting for my team to have players of this caliber here,” Dorrell adds. “We want to put our best foot forward, like any day, but we tighten the screws. We provide the best conditions we can to identify who will advance to our national championship. The whole team takes a lot of pride in it.”

Dorrell has numerous high school and college students on his staff of up to 18 members in peak season and they talk about the qualifying event during the interview process. “We explain that it is a hectic first few weeks,” Dorrell says, “but then we catch our breath.”

Designed by Donald Ross, the course is a par-72 covering 6,684 yards. The 2025 event will be the 16th time Springfield has hosted final qualifying. The event is organized by Miami Valley Golf Association, represented by Steve Jurick, in conjunction with the USGA. On the day, there are dozens of volunteers.

“We have done all of these together, Steve and I, so it is a well-oiled machine right now,” Dorrell says. “If a player doesn’t qualify, our goal is that it’s not because of something we did. We stress that it’s our day to be perfect because we don’t want to stand in the way of someone not getting to the U.S. Open. There is some pressure, but excitement that goes with it.”

They bring in six or seven golf maintenance volunteers to help, usually other regional superintendents. “Tee times start at 7 a.m. off No. 1 and No. 10,” Dorrell says. “We mow and get everything done as quick as we can, get out of the way and let the day happen.” Many staff members are finished working by 8 a.m. and a few will stay to manage any issues. Almost everyone finds time to enjoy watching.

Several staff play and follow golf, and they talk about weekly leaderboards with players who have been through Springfield. The Chamber of Commerce hosts lunch for the players, caddies and their families between rounds. Small things and a friendly atmosphere contribute to make the day great.

From coverage on the Golf Channel to spectators who are close to the action, the membership is very supportive. “There is some disruption because we bring the rough height up and speed up the greens,” Dorrell says. They close the course to carts 36 hours before the event and almost everyone plays a practice round the Sunday prior.

“We try to bring things up to speed about two weeks out. We want anyone practicing to see the same conditions they will see on Monday,” Dorrell says. “By 9 on Tuesday morning, it’s hard to tell we had an event. The etiquette of the players is great.” So are their grateful attitudes.

As Dorrell gave Scott a ride back to the clubhouse after the playoff, Scott complimented him and the maintenance team. They exchanged some witty remarks. Fortunately, Scott did make it into the 2024 U.S. Open as a result of his official world golf ranking. His major streak continues, and Springfield continues to host U.S. Open qualifying. On June 2, 2025, the agronomy team, the members and the volunteers will work together to proudly host more U.S. Open hopefuls.