Palmer set for first major

AGMS graduate Jason Palmer is set to play in his first Major Championship after coming through US Open qualifying at Walton Heath.

Palmer, who is well known on tour for his unorthodox one-handed chipping, will head to Chambers Bay, Washington, on June 15-21.

He secured his place after carding a seven-under-par total around the prestigious Surrey-based golf club.

And he has vowed to stick with his style of chipping, designed to cure a serious bout of the chipping yips, when he arrives Stateside.

“I’m absolutely thrilled. I’ve always wanted to play in a Major,” he said.

“I knew this would present a good opportunity to do it because I love Walton Heath. I’m delighted. It started to creep into my mind on the back nine, but I told myself not to be stupid. I had to refocus.

“The chipping is incredibly unique but it has saved my career because there is no way I’d be competing as a professional if I didn’t find the one-handed method.

“At the end of last year I went from 50^th on the Challenge Tour to having a win, a second place, and being on The European Tour and now this. I’m having an incredible time. I love the game of golf and at the moment it is being good to me.

“I doubt there have been many one handed chippers at the US Open before. The rough might be a bit too deep to play one-handed, so I’ll have to assess it when I get there, but it is a problem I’m looking forward to have.

“If it is more of a links course it might suit me. I’d like it to play firm and fast, like it was here. But to play the US Open is an absolute dream come true and it has definitely not sunk in yet.”

Meanwhile Scottish PGA Professional Heather MacRae qualified for the women’s equivalent at Lancaster Country Club in July.

MacRae came through qualifying at the Buckinghamshire, where she hit a four-under-par 140 to secure one of the five available spots for the showpiece.

The US Women’s Open will take place in Pennsylvania on July 9-12.