Brookline High Freshman Makes US Open Bid

James Imai battles the treacherous conditions at Essex CC to advance in the 2016 United States Open Qual @jr_imai pic.twitter.com/Uf7ilXbVA3
— MGGAcademy (@MGGAcademy) May 17, 2016

BROOKLINE, MA - A Brookline junior golfer with championship aspirations is competing for a chance to make his dream a reality.

James Imai, a Brookline High freshman, is participating in the U.S. Open sectional qualifier at Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, NJ today. 

In a Boston Globe profile, the 15-year-old said he doesn't believe his age will be a factor and he is confident in his ability to compete.

“I don’t think age matters. I just proved I have the ability to qualify for a big event," Imai told the Globe. "That’s what we dream of doing. I’m going to fight my way into the US Open.”

Imai secured a spot in the sectional qualifier in May after shooting 2-over-par 72 at Essex County Club in a US Open local qualifier, according to the Globe.

The Canoe Brook qualifier is one of 10 across the United States; it is anticipated that four or five spots will be awarded from the qualifier into next week's US Open at Oakmont. 

Currently, Imai is one of 6 golfers tied for 66th in the second round of the 36-hole competition. Follow Imai's progress on the US Open qualifier website here. 

>>>Read the full profile on James Imai from the Boston Globe.