Mohawk golfer qualifies for US Open

Native Golfer Earns Spot in U.S. Open, Call from Notah BegayIt's official: Jesse Smith, Mohawk from Six Nations, has qualified for the U.S. Open, the second major golf tournament of the season.

Smith, 33, who has golfed professionally for seven years, played his way into the U.S.'s national championship by finishing in the top four at a sectional qualifying round staged at Century Country Club in Purchase, New York on June 3. This will be Smith's first appearance in a major--and in a PGA Tour event. The last Native American to compete at the U.S. Open was Jeff Curl, Wintu, son of former PGA Tour player Rod Curl, according to Stephen Tooshkenig, the president of ST Golf, which works with Native golfers to develop their game.Comment:  For more on Native golfers, see Begay Joins NBC Golf Team and Wintu Golfer Qualifies for US Open.