Woodhead falls short of U.S. Open at final qualifying event
A former NFL star from western Nebraska won't be making a dream trip to the U.S. Open...at least not this year.
By News Channel NebraskaNORTH PLATTE, Neb. -- A former NFL star from western Nebraska won't be making a dream trip to the U.S. Open...at least not this year.
Danny Woodhead, who was a standout running back at North Platte High School and Chadron State College before playing 10 years in the NFL, has taken up golf in retirement.
The 37-year-old Woodhead made it to the final round of U.S. Open qualifying, but the current Elkhorn resident finished short of reaching the big event.
Woodhead won the Harlon Hill Trophy twice as the nation's best NCAA Division II football player. He was an All-State performer in his final three seasons at North Platte High. Woodhead played with the Jets, Patriots, Chargers and Ravens in the NFL, making one Super Bowl appearance with New England.
He competed in Springfield, Ohio, on Monday. He was hoping to reach the U.S. Open, which will be held in the middle of Patriots' territory in Brookline, Mass.
As one of 77 golfers competing in the 36-hole competition, Woodhead was 10-over par, 14 shots behind the final qualifying score. He carded a 7-over-par 77 on the opening 18 holes before shooting a 3-over 73 on the second 18.
Woodhead had reached the final qualifying round after finishing in the top five in regional qualifying at Omaha Country Club, his home course, last month.