U.S. Open Sectional in Newport Beach features Fred Couples

It can be said that Fred Couples will have a bit of a home-course advantage for the U.S. Open Sectional June 8, as the 36-hole qualifier will be played at Big Canyon Country Club and Newport Beach Country Club.

Couples called Newport Beach home long before he became a big-name pro. Recently he bought a home at Big Canyon, where he has been an honorary member.

Couples, the 1992 Masters champion with the big swing, knows the course quite well at Newport Beach Country Club, where he has twice won the Toshiba Classic, including last year.

Couples will tee off at 7:20 a.m. at Newport Beach, and then at Big Canyon at 1:05 p.m.

Admission is free and spectators are welcome, but be aware of parking, as it is limited at Big Canyon, and there is construction at Newport Beach.

The Sectional also includes former Estancia High standout Jake Knapp, who is on the UCLA men’s golf team.

Beau Hossler, Jason Gore, Keith Clearwater and Michael Block are other notables in the field.

Qualifiers advance to the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash., June 18-21.

The final number of qualifying spots will be available from the on-site committee on the day of play.

— Steve Virgen