SAN DIEGO – Italy’s Guido Migliozzi had a week to remember at the 121st U.S. Open. Playing in his first major championship, he shot a final-round 3-under 68 and finished tied for fourth. That was good enough to earn a return trip to the U.S. Open in 2022, qualify for the Olympics in July as well as an invitation to the Masters in April.
When asked what he took from the week, he said, “I take everything. It’s been a wonderful week.”
Indeed, it was. Migliozzi qualified for the U.S. Open after finishing among the top-10 points leaders not previously exempt from a three-event European Tour series. He virtually guaranteed his spot in that top 10 with a playoff defeat to Richard Bland in the Betfred British Masters.
Migliozzi, 24, fired rounds of 71-70-73 and saved his best for last on Sunday. He made five birdies, including one on 18 to finish at 2-under 286, tied with Brooks Koepka.
Is Migliozzi Italian for Mickelson?
#FromManyOne | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/D5DAbZoX3k
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 20, 2021
“Starting the week, I was thinking I have only one chance to win my first major,” he said. “It was a tough thing, but I take my position, and I play it really solid today. My thinking today in the morning was to be able to give me a chance to get into the top 10. So I’m very happy about the score today.”
He was tied for ninth when he finished his round, but several players faltered on the closing stretch. The top-4 finishers at the majors automatically qualify for the Masters, meaning Migliozzi can book his trip for Augusta National in April.
But wait, there’s more. He improved to a career-best No. 72 in the world and qualified to represent Italy in the Olympics, too.
“I grew up watching the Olympics on TV. To be able to play in an Olympics game is a dream come true,” he said. “It will be another monster week. A lot of feelings, a lot of vibes, can’t wait.”
And in addition to taking home close to a cool $500K, there’s one more immediate bonus for his performance: Migliozzi’s result extended his PGA Tour stay. He earned a berth in this week’s Travelers Championship in Hartford via the category for top-10 finishers at the previous event.
“My game is in a good spot, and I’m really happy. Even under pressure, I’m performing well,” he said. “I can’t wait to play another tournament.”
Note to Migliozzi, who was photographed celebrating with pizza after making the cut at the U.S. Open on Friday: some of America’s finest ‘za is just down the road from Hartford in New Haven, Connecticut. Don’t miss out on determining whether you’re a Sally’s or Pepe’s guy.