Hossler wraps up memorable U.S. Open

Updated June 16, 2012

After a back and forth third round, Beau Hossler finished with an impressive even-par 70 to put himself in contention at the U.S. Open, where he's four off the lead entering the final round.

"My goal now is to win the tournament as well," Hossler said after his round. "Can I win it? Absolutely. There's no doubt in my mind. It's going to take a great effort, mentally and physically, but I think it's all out there for me."

Updated June 15, 2012

After scores of 70-73 during the first two rounds of the U.S. Open, Beau Hossler entered Saturday’s third round in a tie for ninth. When Hossler birdied No.1 during his second round, he held sole possession of first place. His round, which started on hole No. 9, was also highlighted by a chip-in for birdie on No. 7. Hossler begins the third round four shots off the three-way tie for the lead at Olympic Club and will tee off at 5:05 p.m. ET.

Updated prior to start of U.S. Open

Andy Zhang, 14, made history as he became the youngest golfer to make the U.S. Open field. Zhang, who plays out of Reunion, Fla., gained entry as an alternate after Paul Casey withdrew due to injury.

The record for the youngest player to compete in the U.S. Open was previously held by AJGA alum Tadd Fujikawa, who was 15 when he played in the 2006 tournament at Winged Foot Golf Club.

A native of China, Zhang has lived in the United States since he was 10 and is a student at the IMG Leadbetter Academy. In April, Zhang finished tied for seventh at the Junior All-Star at Fieldstone and finished T11 at the TaylorMade-adidas Golf Junior at Innisbrook hosted by Sean O’Hair.

For the second year in a row, Beau Hossler of Mission Viejo, Calif., has qualified for the U.S. Open. Hossler, 17, shot a 7-under-par 137 during Sectional Qualifying to earn his spot in the field at The Olympic Club in San Francisco.

The two-time Rolex Junior All-American is currently No. 7 in the Polo Golf Rankings. In April, he achieved his fourth career AJGA victory at the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic hosted by Longbow Golf Club, where he set the tournament record with a 15-under-par 198. He earned medalist honors at the 2011 U.S. Amateur and has given a verbal commitment to continue his golf career at the University of Texas. Hossler most recently finished fourth at the 2012 Thunderbird International Junior.

Also headed to The Olympic Club is Alberto Sanchez of Nogales, Ariz., who will make his first appearance at the U.S. Open, after finishing Sectional Qualifying with a 6-under-par 138.

Headed to Arizona State in the fall to continue his golf career, Sanchez, 17, compiled 10 top-15 finishes in his AJGA career. His best showing was at the 2009 Under Armour® /Hunter Mahan Championship where he tied for second. Sanchez most recently recorded a tie for 11th at the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic hosted by Longbow Golf Club behind champion and fellow U.S. Open competitor Hossler.