Toms, Burns Play Way Into US Open

Two Shreveporters, one veteran and one up-and-comer, played their way into the US Open golf tournament to be played later this month. 49-year-old David Toms and LSU freshman Sam Burns both will be headed to Pittsburgh in less than two weeks to compete in America's golf national championship.

In a grueling 36-hole qualifier played Monday in Memphis, Tennessee, Toms shot 7 under par to finish fourth and qualify outright, Burns, meanwhile, fired 6 under par, tying with five others for the final position. Burns then birdied the first playoff hole, earning a spot in his first major tournament.

US Open qualifiers, know as "golf's longest day", were played at 10 different courses across the country, with nearly 800 golfers vying for about 60 entries. This year's tournament will be played at Pittsburgh's Oakmont Country Club, June 16 to 19.