David Berganio Jr. raises his putter after making a birdie putt on the final hole of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic at the PGA West Palmer Course in La Quinta, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2002. Berganio placed second after losing to Phil Mickelson in a sudden-death playoff. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

 Eric Gay

The U.S. Open Sectional qualifying (the final tier of playoffs before this month’s U.S. Open) has few better stories than 48-year-old David Berganio, a 1993 first-team All-American at Arizona and key member of the UA’s 1992 NCAA championship team. Berganio’s PGA Tour career was scuttled due to lingering back injuries. He earned $1.7 million in 151 PGA Tour starts, and won three Web.com events. He’ll be playing for one of five U.S. Open berths among the 103 players at the Newport Beach Country Club. 

Become a #ThisIsTucson member! Your contribution helps our team bring you stories that keep you connected to the community. Become a member today.