WILTSHIRE'S David Howell was left with ‘a lovely feeling’ after qualifying for the US Open in thrilling style yesterday.

Thrust into a six-man play-off at Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey, the Broome Manor pro sunk a 15-foot putt at the first extra hole to secure his progress.

Howell will now feature at Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania between June 13-16 where he will end a two-year wait to take part in a major tournament.

“It was a lovely feeling,” he said. “It was nice to get through and gives me a positive memory.

“At all of the major tournaments, everything’s a bit different. You want to play in as many majors as possible and the US Open is a great event.”

The 37-year-old faced an agonising three-hour wait yesterday afternoon after carding three-under-par overall on the new and old course.

He even lipped out a 10-footer at the 18th, a putt that would have taken him through directly, but ultimately it did not matter.

Second to putt at the first extra hole knowing a birdie would take him through, Howell stroked into the cup from 15 feet to ensure his berth at the $8,000,000 tournament.

“It would have been a shame to miss out in a play-off after waiting around all day,” added Howell.

“I’ve been more nervous, but there was a few hundred people ringing the green so I definitely knew the situation. Thankfully it all ended well.”

The other players progressing from the play-off were Jose Maria Olazabal, John Parry, Chris Doak and Estanislao Goya.

Already through were Simon Khan, Paul Casey, Morten Orum Madsen, Marcus Fraser, Peter Hedblom, Eddie Pepperell and Jaco Van Zyl.

Just 12 players made it through from the field of 94.

Howell has played at the US Open on five previous occasions, with his best finish being tied-16th in 2006.

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