U.S. Open 2021: Euro Tour WDs due to travel concerns; Walker Cup star in | Golf News and Tour Information

The USGA announced Wednesday that European Tour player Mikko Korhonen has withdrawn from next week’s U.S. Open.

Korhonen, 40, had just earned a spot in the field at Torrey Pines on Tuesday as one of the top aggregate point earners in the three-event European Tour Qualifying Series. The Finland native had finished T-3 at the British Masters and T-7 at the Porsche European Open.

According to the USGA, Korhonen’s cited reason for dropping out was due to travel concerns. Korhonen is No. 185 in the Official World Golf Ranking and has two career wins on the European Tour.

Replacing Korhonen is the field is Cole Hammer from the University of Texas. Hammer was the overrall first alternate thanks to a 73-65 at the Columbus U.S. Open qualifier. Hammer competed in a 5-for-4 playoff to grab the alternate spot. Hammer, 21, will be appearing in his third U.S. Open; he made his first start in the championship at age 15 at the 2015 event at Chambers Bay. Hammer has also been a part of the past two victorious U.S. Walker Cup teams.

The U.S. Open begins June 17. Bryson DeChambeau is the defending champ.