Golf: In-form Tataurangi boosts Kiwi contingent

New Zealand will launch a three-pronged attack at next week's United States Open.

Phil Tataurangi yesterday joined compatriots Michael Campbell and Craig Perks as confirmed starters for the year's second major, at Farmingdale, New York State, from June 13 to 16.

Tataurangi booked a ticket for the first major of his career by sharing 10th place at sectional qualifying at Far Hills, New Jersey.

He shot 70 and 65 to comfortably snare one of the 34 qualifying spots available for the field of 203, which included fellow New Zealanders Michael Long and Frank Nobilo.

Long missed out after shooting a two-round score of 142 and Nobilo was one shot further back.

Other notables to miss out included Carlos Franco, Aaron Baddeley, Notah Begay and Fred Couples.

Grant Waite will attempt to boost New Zealand's numbers further when he contests another sectional qualifying event in the US today.

Perks and Campbell were exempt from the qualifying process, Perks because of his win in The Players' Championship and Campbell thanks to his world ranking of 22.

This year, Tataurangi's world ranking has improved from 400-plus to 136. His earnings of more than $1 million so far have him 53rd on the US PGA Tour's money list.

- NZPA