By Mae O'Neill

GASTONIA, N.C. (June 9, 2026) — Jackson Van Paris, a 2021 graduate of Pinecrest High School, two-time CGA champion and current Korn Ferry Tour professional, qualified Monday for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, N.Y., after posting 36 bogey-free holes during final qualifying at Gaston Country Club.

During "Golf's Longest Day," Van Paris fired rounds of 65 and 64 to finish tied for third and earn one of five qualifying spots. A clutch birdie putt on the 18th hole secured his place in the championship field and spared him from a three-for-one playoff.

"The golf course was in perfect shape all day ... the greens were literally perfect, and it was stressful but definitely a relief when that putt went in," Van Paris told the CGA after his round.

Van Paris was one of five players to qualify from the Gastonia site and the lone Carolinas native among the group.

"It's cool to do it in the home state, and I take a lot of pride in that," Van Paris said. "Just getting to see familiar faces, especially with the CGA ... they've done a lot for me and a lot for so many other people in North Carolina, both juniors and amateurs, so it means a lot."

Jackson Ormond, an 18-year-old amateur from Rochester, N.Y., and Carl Yuan of China shared medalist honors after both posted rounds of 65-63 to finish at 12-under-par 128. Their total was the lowest 36-hole qualifying score recorded across all 13 final qualifying sites nationwide. Ormond also earned low-amateur honors after advancing through last year's U.S. Junior Amateur and is committed to the University of Florida.

The remaining qualifying spots were claimed by Brandon Wu of Scarsdale, N.Y., and Cole Hammer of Houston, Texas.

Van Paris and the rest of the championship field will tee it up at the U.S. Open beginning Thursday, June 18. First-round coverage will air throughout the day on USA Network, Peacock and Golf Channel.

 

About the Carolinas Golf Association  

Founded in 1909, the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) serves more than 238,000 members across North and South Carolina and is one of the nation’s largest Allied Golf Associations of the United States Golf Association. Guided by its mission to Connect, Grow and Administer the game of golf in the Carolinas, the CGA provides playing opportunities, education, resources and innovation to support golfers of all ages and abilities.  

Through its vision to inspire a lifelong passion for golf and champion a vibrant, thriving future for the Carolinas golf community, the CGA conducts championships, advances junior and amateur golf, preserves the traditions of the game and works to expand access and participation throughout the region.  

Media Contact:  
Jackson Sveen  
Director of Media & Marketing  
Carolinas Golf Association  
jackson.sveen@carolinasgolf.org