Local Golf: Thomas Code reaches US Open final stage, early bird tournament this weekend

Thomas Code is one step closer to the U.S. Open.

The Dorchester native, who plays out of the London Hunt Club, advanced to the final stage of qualifying after shooting a 1-under 71 Monday at St. Thomas Golf and Country Club.

The result put Code in a three-way playoff for two spots at the sectional qualifier. He claimed one of the berths and will compete June 8 at Lambton Golf and Country Club in Toronto.

The strong performance comes days after Code earned medalist honours at an RBC Canadian Open regional qualifier in Fonthill.

“It’s a dream to play in a PGA Tour event,” Code said. “If I made it into the Canadian Open and U.S. Open, I’d be walking on clouds. To get on that stage, see how my game stacks up and compete with the guys you watch on TV — it would be a ton of fun.”

Code has reached this stage before but fell short of advancing.

“You’re still trying to qualify for another chance to qualify, which is one of those funny steps in this pro game,” he said. “To have the chance just to go compete is awesome. It’s what you work for — to tee it up.”

Other players to advance from St. Thomas were David Li Sheman and Michael von Schalburg, both at 2-under, and Victor Ciesielski at 1-under.

London-area golfer Cam Kellett shot 75 and did not advance in U.S. Open qualifying, but will play in the final stage of RBC Canadian Open qualifying June 7 at the Pulpit Club.

“It’s what you dream of as a kid and what you believe you can do,” said Kellett, who competed in the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. “It’s nice to have that experience early in my career and understand what it takes to get there.”

Four players will earn exemptions into the PGA Tour event.

“It’s a really tough course at the Pulpit Club,” Kellett said. “You’ve got to hit good golf shots and grind it out all day. A few under par should give you a chance.”

NHL referee Garrett Rank was scheduled to compete at St. Thomas but was unable to attend after working a playoff game in Montreal the night before.

Early Bird tournament returns to St. Thomas

St. Thomas Golf and Country Club will host another marquee event this weekend with the 78th annual Early Bird Tournament, May 16-17.

The event, considered the unofficial start of Ontario’s amateur golf season, typically draws top players from across the province.

Two-time champion Charles Fitzsimmons will not compete this year as he travels to Arizona for the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship.

Course superintendent Wade Beaudoin has the layout in prime early-season condition, setting up a challenging test.

“There’s not an easy shot out here,” said Jake Adams, head professional at St. Thomas. “It’s hard to make this course play easy, and the greens make it especially tough.”

The Early Bird has a rich history, with past competitors including Moe Norman, Garrett Rank, Nick Westlock and Fitzsimmons.

“This place is pretty historic,” Adams said.