Johnny Keefer earned one of the final spots in next week’s Open Championship with a third-place finish at the Scottish Open on Sunday.
The 25-year-old American posted a 13-under-par total over 72 holes at Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. His result secured one of three remaining places in the major championship scheduled at Royal Birkdale.
Keefer had arrived in Scotland only days earlier after a redeye flight from the John Deere Classic. It was his first experience of links golf. He practiced at nearby North Berwick in strong winds before competing.
Several other players with status at the Scottish Open chose to stay in the United States for the ISCO Championship instead. Keefer said the decision to travel paid off with both ranking points and an Open berth.
After his round he received confirmation of his qualification and was reminded to complete the formal entry process for the event about 200 miles away.
