If Derek Tolan of Highlands Ranch isn’t fully recovered from an automobile accident last summer that forced him to redshirt his first year at the University of Colorado, he’s close enough.
Tolan, the first Colorado teenager to qualify for the U.S. Open when he made it as a 16-year-old in 2002, shot a 68 on May 23 at Pueblo’s Walking Stick Golf Course.
He advanced to Monday’s sectional qualifying for the U.S. Open at Columbine Country Club in Littleton, along with 27 other players from seven states.
Two months ago, Tolan shot a competitive course record 62 in a tournament at Raccoon Creek Golf Course.
“I don’t know if I’m 100 percent, but I’m not worried about it,” Tolan said.
“I broke my ankle in several places, and I’ve got a bunch of metal in there, but it doesn’t bother me that much. I haven’t walked 36 holes yet, but I’ve been building it up for that and I think I’ll be all right. It might get a little sore, but I’ll be able to tough it out.”
Tom Glissmeyer of Colorado Springs, who followed Tolan in qualifying for the U.S. Open at the age of 16, also appears to be at the top of his game.
Glissmeyer shot a 68 in the May qualifier at Buffalo Run Golf Course. He finished a stroke behind 15-year-old medalist Branden Barron, to advance to Monday’s sectional at Columbine.
Glissmeyer is headed to Southern Cal this fall.
