Former Cal State Stanislaus men's golfer Erik Justesen earned medalist honors at a sectional qualifier on Monday and has qualified for the USGA U.S. Open Championships at Pebble Beach.
Justesen, a two-time All-American and two-time conference champion during his time as a Warrior, shot a nine-under 133 on Monday to win the event at the Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento. The first round of the U.S. Open is June 17.
After failing to advance from local qualifying the last two years, the 25-year-old Canadian tour member earned a spot in next week’s U.S. Open field with stellar rounds of 65-68.
The 2008 Stanislaus alum is a part-time caddie at Pebble, and realizes the enormity of the accomplishment: “The U.S. Open is my dream; Pebble is just icing on the cake. But I think playing there might give me a sense of security. I’m definitely excited for that.”

The sectional was one of 13 nationally conducted by the USGA. With only 4.5 percent of the field advancing in Sacramento, competitors faced the stiffest odds of any of the 13 sites (the Columbus, Ohio sectional — well stocked with PGA Tour players — had 120 players competing for 15 spots).

Justesen is just one of four players out of a field of 85 from the Sacramento sectional qualifier to advance. The other qualifiers included amateur and Stanford senior Joseph Bramlett, Kenny Kim of Cerritos and amateur Andrew Putnam of University Place, Wash.

Justesen was an All-American in 2007-08 after nearly winning the Division II national championship. He was also an All-American in 2006-07. He also won back-to-back California Collegiate Athletic Association individual champion medalist honors in those two seasons.