Quincy native Guthrie wins U.S. Open local qualifier, moves step closer to return to major

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Quincy native Luke Guthrie took the first step toward returning to major golf competition Monday, winning a local U.S. Open qualifier to advance to the sectional round to be played in June.

Guthrie shot a 7-under 65 at the Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach to earn medalist honors. He earned one of five qualifying spots in the 84-player field.

Guthrie birdied four of his first five holes and shot a 4-under 32 on the front nine. He offset one bogey on the back nine with four birdies, shooting a 3-under 33. He was one of eight players in the field to break 70.

The U.S. Open sectional qualifiers will be played June 3. The U.S. Open is scheduled for June 13-16 at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in Pinehurst, N.C.

The 34-year-old Guthrie, who turned pro in 2012, has qualified for the U.S. Open three times in his career — 2013, 2014 and 2019 — but he has yet to make the cut.