UNM freshman Clark Sonnenberg narrowly misses automatic U.S. Open berth

For one Lobo, golf’s longest day went right down to the wire.

Clark Sonnenberg, who just wrapped his freshman year at New Mexico, missed an automatic spot in the U.S. Open by one stroke in Monday’s final round of qualifying, carding a 138 (70-68) over 36 holes at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, Washington.

By finishing tied for third overall at 6-under-par, the Albuquerque native will serve as one of the site’s two alternates in case other players withdraw from the field. If selected, Sonnenberg would be the second active Lobo golfer in the last three years to play in the U.S. Open after former UNM golfer Bastien Amat made it in as a first alternate in 2023.

Ethan Vogt and Brady Calkins secured the Walla Walla’s two automatic qualifying spots by finishing at 8- and 7-under, respectively, and are set to play at Oakmont Country Club next week.

After a stellar prep career at Albuquerque Academy, Sonnenberg became a rotation player for UNM this season. He recently played multiple crucial rounds of postseason golf, including a 4-under 68 to lead the Lobos in the second round of an NCAA Regional in Tallahassee, Florida.

“I’m definitely a much different golfer than when I showed up (at UNM) in the fall,” Sonnenberg said May 19. “I’ve learned a lot, gotten a lot better. I knew it was possible, just had to put in some good work and I think I did over the year.”

UNM’s Mesa Falleur also gave golf’s longest day — the colloquialism for the final round of U.S. Open qualifying — a good run.

The junior was in contention for one of four qualifying spots up for grabs at Valencia Country Club in Valencia, California before falling back during his second 18; he finished Monday with a 2-under 140 (69-70).

Rio Rancho native Alejandro Armijo also did not advance out of Valencia, carding a 151 (74-77) to finish at 9-over on the day.

One former Lobo did advance to Oakmont: UNM great Victor Perez grabbed one of seven qualifying spots available Monday at Lambton Golf & Country Club in York, Ontario with a 6-under 134 (67-67).

The 32-year-old DP World Tour player is set for his sixth straight U.S. Open appearance.