WILMINGTON, N.C. ? UNC Wilmington sophomore Josh Brock finished in a tie for second and qualified for the 2009 U.S. Open Championship, June 15-21, at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, N.Y.

Brock opened his qualifying day with an even-par 72 in the first round, but caught fire in the second round and carded a seven-under-par score of 65 to finish in a tie for second in the field of 71 golfers at the Woodmont CC in Rockville, Md., on Monday.

“I'm excited to have the chance to play in the Open,” said Brock, who represented UNCW as an individual at the NCAA Southeast Regional last month. “After the first round, I didn't make too many changes. I just stuck with my approach and was able to knock down the putts I needed. I drove the ball well all day and that helped me with my short game.”

“This is an exciting day for the program as a while,” said UNCW head coach Matt Clark. “Josh has worked hard and I'm glad to see that it has paid off. I couldn't be more proud of Josh and I'm happy that he will have the opportunity to walk the same fairways with some of the greats of golf.”

Brock becomes the second Seahawk to qualify for the prestigious championship. Former UNCW standout Derek Brown qualified in 2005 and narrowly missed the cut, one stroke, of advancing to the weekend that year in Pinehurst.

The Open returns to infamous Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, N.Y., following a seven-year absence.