Paulson qualifies for U.S. Open

Dennis Paulson, a former Costa Mesa High golfer, shot a 6-under-par

136 (67-69) at the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, N.J., Monday

to tie for fourth and earn one of 22 spots into next week’s U.S. Open

golf championship after the 36-hole sectional qualifying round.

Paulson, who has made the cut in all 11 PGA Tour events he has

entered this year, was among a field of 138 golfers at Canoe Brook

vying for entry into the championship, June 17-20 at Shinnecock Hills

Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. This will be Paulson’s third trip to

the U.S. Open. He withdrew and missed the cut in his two prior

appearances in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

The Encinitas resident has finished in the top 25 in six of the 11

tournaments this year, including a tie for 10th in the Bay Hill

Invitational in March, and ranks eighth in average driving distance

(298.6 yards).

Newport Beach residents Steve Conway and Eric Vallely failed to

qualify at their respective sites.

Conway shot 81-81 -- 162 at Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City,

Calif., while Vallely carded 80-86 -- 166 on the Arnold Palmer course

at Turtle Bay Resort and Golf Club in Kahuku, Hawaii.