Rosales seeks berth in US Open

To anyone familiar with the toughness and formidable challenge awaiting US Open aspirants, some may doubt Gerald Rosales’ capability to buck the odds and pass the gruelling qualifier.

But the former amateur hotshot believes he has the talent and skills to withstand the pressure and get the chance to play in one of the world’s major golf championships.

"I’m in great shape and playing with a high level of confidence, so I think I’ll have a chance," said Rosales, the reigning Philippine Open champion who is set to leave this week for the United States.

The organizing USGA (United States Golf Association) is conducting a series of qualifying tournaments for the 101st staging of the US Open. The June 4 elims, a 36-hole tournament at the L’ Cabellero Country Club in California, serves as the second to the last with close to 100 aspirants vying for 11 slots. The US Open is slated June 14-17.

"It will be very difficult, but I’ll try my very best," added Rosales, who took a break from the Asian PGA Tour to prepare himself for the big event.

Rosales reached as high as No. 13th in the Order of Merit ranking of the Asian PGA Tour after the Wills Indian Open last March but he struggled in the next two legs and dropped out of the top 20.