Weekly golf notes: Bryson Nimmer, Andrew Orischak one step from Oakmont

Bluffton’s Bryson Nimmer and Hilton Head Island’s Andrew Orischak will tee it up Monday in hopes of a U.S. Open berth when final qualifying takes place across 10 sites around the nation.

Nimmer is one of 63 entrants at a 36-hole sectional qualifier at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla., also featuring European Ryder Cup stalwart Ian Poulter, Hall of Famer Vijay Singh and former Presidents Cup hero Chris DiMarco.

Nimmer, just returned from Clemson’s appearance in the NCAA Championships, was one of seven qualifiers from a first-stage Open test at Planterra Ridge Golf Club outside Atlanta.

Orischak will test his game at Ansley Golf Club outside Atlanta, where the 39-man field also includes PGA Tour veteran Jason Bohn and former NCAA champion Ollie Schneiderjans. As last summer’s U.S. Junior Amateur runner-up, he was exempt from local qualifying.

KOZAK WINS IJGT FINALE

Bluffton’s Kayla Kozak was the only golfer to shoot par or better in every round, cruising to a wire-to-wire victory over an international field in the IJGT’s season-ending Tournament of Champions at Orlando’s Grand Cypress Resort.

Kozak sandwiched a pair of 1-under-par 71s around a 72, pulling away from Mexico’s Ximena Gonzalez on the final day to record a six-shot victory. It was Kozak’s third IJGT victory of the season, following wins in December at Harbour Town and February at Savannah Harbor.

IJGA’S NEW CANADIAN ALLIANCE

Weeks after reaching a partnership with Nick Faldo’s junior series, the International Junior Golf Academy has expanded its reach again with an agreement to become the official academy partner of the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour in Canada.

As with the Faldo Series, the IJGA will offer Maple Leaf players an outlet to continue developing as they seek college opportunities. The MJT is Canada’s most-played junior circuit and is run exclusively by PGA of Canada professionals.

ACES & AGE-BEATERS

▪ Terry Ellis notched a hole-in-one May 25 on the second hole at Hidden Cypress Golf Club, using a 7-iron to hole out from 148 yards. Witnesses were Larry Johnson, David Moody and Gary Jenket.

▪ Raymond Rosch produced a hole-in-one May 25 on the 17th hole at Island West Golf Club, as his 9-iron from 118 yards out disappeared into the cup. Witnesses were Steven Rosch and Bill Maurer.

▪ Bill Boston, 73, matched his age Saturday on the South course at Moss Creek Golf Club. His playing partners were Jerry Coghlan, Paul Schulz and Paul Juenger.

This story was originally published June 2, 2016 at 1:20 AM with the headline "Weekly golf notes: Bryson Nimmer, Andrew Orischak one step from Oakmont."