The beauty of the U.S. Open is that it is, indeed, open to all. Everyone who shoots the scores qualifies for the field, regardless of their resume, their relatives or their ranking. Straight Down Ambassador Tim Widing is proving that this week at Pinehurst No. 2.

Widing has been the best player on the Korn Ferry Tour season in 2024, winning two times and sitting atop the season-long points list. He has clinched his PGA Tour card for next year, and he continued his success in this year’s U.S. Open qualifying.

Widing tied for a first in a U.S. Open qualifier June 3 to make it into this year’s U.S. Open. And now he’s in contention at the tournament’s halfway point. He shot 71-68 in the first two rounds and will enter the weekend just four shots off the lead.

Widing’s success is truly an inspiration for all those dreamers out there. He grew up in Sweden but came to the United States to play collegiate golf at the University of San Francisco. He graduated in 2020 and has progressed through professional golf’s meritocracy over the years. Widing, 26, is in the midst of his best season, having already been declared #TOURBound because of his success on the Korn Ferry Tour. That designation is given to players once they have mathematically clinched their PGA Tour status for the following season.

We’ve grown to know and support Tim because he now lives in Straight Down’s hometown of San Luis Obispo, California, with his wife. We’ve been impressed with his hard work and determination and are so happy to see it pay off this week against the best players in the world!