TULSA, Okla. – A lifelong dream came true for former ORU men's golfer Rocco Repetto-Taylor on "Golf's Longest Day", as he qualified for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club with ORU women's golf alum Morgan Palermo on the bag.

"It was so special to qualify for my first major championship, and having Morgan on the bag made it that much more special. The qualifier was such a fun experience ­–– the day was long, but the end made it all worth it. I'm excited to be able to compete with the best players in the world and have Morgan in the crowd alongside my family watching in New York."

The U.S. Open Qualifying field at Walton Heath Golf Club, in Walton-on-the-Hill, England, included 13 of the top 200 golfers in the world, according to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

???? -12 Rocco Repetto Taylor pic.twitter.com/i3WNUWUOO3

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 18, 2026

On May 18^th, Rocco and Morgan began the 36-hole U.S. Open Qualifier, teeing off for round one at 8:30 AM local time (GMT). Rocco hit the ground running, carding two birdies in his first three holes before making the turn at three under par. His back nine included birdies on holes 12, 13, and 18 as he turned in a bogey-free 66 (-6) in round one.

The pair kicked off their second and final round at 1:15 local time (GMT), keeping steady with seven straight pars before Rocco rolled in a birdie on the eighth hole. He made a massive charge on the back nine, birdieing holes 12-16 to shoot a second consecutive bogey-free 66 (-6), earning a spot in June's 126^th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills GC.

"Being alongside Rocco as he qualified for the U.S. Open was a dream come true. We had so much fun together. I am so proud of the patience and focus that Rocco maintained for every shot. He told me that he was having the time of his life as we walked up the fairway on the last hole," said former ORU women's golfer Morgan Palermo. "Rocco looked right where he belonged and was thriving under the pressure of the day. It was a sight to see and I'm so thankful I could be a part of it!"

This time last year Rocco Repetto Taylor was playing on the Alps Tour. 

Today, on his first visit to @usopengolf Final Qualifying at Walton Heath, he qualified for his first Major Championship ??#USOpen pic.twitter.com/Syt5UNVmNL
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 18, 2026
 

Rocco will begin his 2026 U.S. Open campaign at Shinnecock Hills GC in Southampton, N.Y., from June 18-21.

View the full 126^th U.S. Open field HERE. For more information regarding the 2026 U.S. Open and Shinnecock Hills GC, click HERE.

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