Paul Dunne secures US Open spot via seven man play-off

Paul Dunne - despite fighting a throat infection - showed his fortitude and resilience to earn a spot in next month's US Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin after a long day's work in the international qualifier at Walton Heath, outside London.

The 24-year-old Greystones golfer earned his ticket to the Major championship after competing in 36-holes of qualifying and then emerging from a seven-man play-off for the final four spots. In all, there were 15 places available at the qualifying tournament.

Dunne had a 4.30am alarm call but shot rounds of 67 and 68 for a 36-hole total of nine-under-par 135, which left him in tied-12th position behind leading qualifier Aaron Ria who finished on 130. However, Dunne and South African Thomas Aiken claimed their exemptions with pars on the second play-off hole.

Dunne became the fourth Irish player to earn his place in the field, joining Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell.