Player Disqualified after Earning Spot in 2014 U.S. Open


In a strange incident, Jason Millard was disqualified from the 2014 U.S. Open on Saturday after reporting a self-imposed penalty in sectional qualifying last Monday.

Millard, who qualified in Memphis after carding a pair of 68s, was playing his third shot on the 18th hole of Colonial Country Club's North Course, his 27th hole of the day, when the penalty occurred.

"I'm pretty sure I grounded my club in the bunker," said Millard, who will be replaced by amateur Sam Love, of Trussville, Ala., the second alternate from the same qualifying site. "I didn't see anything for sure but I felt something and I saw a small indentation.

"It happened so fast, I really don't know 100 percent but deep down, I believe I did. I couldn't find peace about it. For five days, I practiced and I couldn't get it off my mind.

"It's heart-breaking, but what I was feeling in my heart didn't feel right," added Millard, who played in this year's PGA Tour Honda Classic and was a two-time All-American at Middle Tennessee State University. "It's the right decision and I am sticking with it."

"We commend Jason for bringing this matter to our attention," said Daniel B. Burton, USGA vice president and chairman of the Championship Committee. "At this time, we have no recourse but to disqualify him under the Rules of Golf and specifically Rule 34-1b."

Love, who just finished his senior season at the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), will be playing in his first U.S. Open after carding 68-69--137 at Colonial Country Club on June 2.

The above report is courtesy of the USGA. For more information, visit www.usga.org.