Four golfers kept their 2025 US Open dreams alive with terric rounds at the First Stage Qualifier at CasaBlanca Golf Club in the golf destination of Mesquite, Nevada. The CasaBlanca local qualifier brings together golfers trying to live the dream of playing in the US Open, to be played June 13-15, 2025 at historic Oakmont Country Club.
Co-medalists Drake Harvey and Jerry Chen finished at 4-under par, and epitomize what chasing that US Open dream is all about. The event was organized by the Southern Nevada Golf Association in conjunction with the United States Golf Association.
Chen, 45, is a parent from Southern California who still believes, and earning a USGA medal had special meaning for Chen.
“I am very excited and this is kind of a professional hobby for me,” Chen said. “I was injured a couple of years ago, but this year I decided to dive into it, and so far it has paid off. I’m pretty happy. The US Open is the ultimate open, in my opinion, in the world. So it would be nice if I could compete in it.”
Harvey is 17 and a junior at Sky Pointe High in Las Vegas and a BYU commit. Harvey is just beginning is golf career, but still understands what it meant to hold a USGA medal.
“It’s pretty cool knowing that there is a slight chance, but there is a chance for me to play in a tournament like the U.S. Open,” Harvey said. “It’s really cool to win out here and get a chance to go play again.”
Also advancing to final stage qualifying were UNLV golfer Wyatt Plattner and Canadian Brady McKenlay, a former Utah Valley golfer. Earning alternate status was another UNLV golfer, Trevor Lewis, and Las Vegas’ Mathew Mangenello.
The CasaBlanca Golf Club is a traditional host of the local qualifier, and the players enjoyed the experience.
“I love the golf course and I played it many times for the Nevada Open,” Chen said. “It plays a little bit firmer this time of the year and that snuck up on me a little bit in the beginning, I really enjoy playing this golf course.”
The CasaBlanca course is a part of the CasaBlanca Resort Casino and Spa. The resort offers tournaments and Mesquite golf packages year-round.