News

ALBANY N.Y. – Local qualifying for the 126th U.S. Open Championship was conducted by the New York State Golf Association at Shaker Ridge Country Club on Monday, May 11.

Eighty-four players competed over 18 holes of individual stroke play for five qualifying places and two alternate positions into one of the final stage qualifying sites for the 126th U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, contested June 18-21, 2026.

Related: Final Results / Photos / U.S. Open Home

Amateur Brayden Dock, a sophomore at Colgate, was one the qualifying medalists shooting two-under 69. The fireworks came on the 16th hole, a par-3 which he aced from 191 yards out. It was his first hole-in-one in his golf career. 

“I had a close call on [hole] four today too, and I was talking to my playing partners about how I've never made one,” Dock said. “It was absolutely unreal that it went in, and it couldn't have come at a better time.”

The other qualifying medalist was Max Theodorakis, from Danbury, Conn.. He is no stranger to this environment and leaned on past experience to navigate the tough layout with only one bogey.

“I've made it through locals like five or six times. It's never easy, you’ve got to grind until the end,” Theodorakis said. "The last few holes weren't playing easy. So I was just happy with the way I grinded.”

Both medalists qualified in last year’s event, also held at Shaker Ridge. Theodarkis said last year’s experience helped him stay out of trouble on the golf course. He and Dock were the only two players to finish under par.

“It’s a very tricky course, the greens are tough,” Theodorakis said. “You can't miss certain spots. So definitely coming here last year helped me a lot.”

Dock and Theodarkis will compete in “Golf’s Longest Day” next month where they’ll play 36 holes at one of 10 sites across the country trying to make the U.S. Open. Joining them, and finishing at even-par 71, are Andrew DeForest and Steve Hoffman. Hoffman, an amateur, is a member of Shaker Ridge and had a small crowd of fellow members supporting him. Amateur Jack Downey claimed the final spot, finishing with a 73, one-over. He birdied the final hole to become the fifth qualifier. 

Nolan Crowley, from Saratoga Springs, and amateur Ethan Alexander claimed the first and second alternate spots, respectively. The golf course was set up at 6,837 yards and played to a par of 71.