ARTEMIO Murakami is eagerly excited about his stint in the US Open.

What’s even more motivating for his homecoming to host venue Torrey Pines in San Diego—site of several junior tournaments which he joined in the past—is the fact that he’ll be actually playing in the prestigious tournament.

The four-year Asian Tour veteran, fondly called Temypong by his friends, earned his exemption ticket to the US Open by finishing on top—after making a birdie on the final hole—of a grueling 36-hole Japan sectional qualifier held at the Ibaraki Country Club’s West Course in Osaka.

“I’m looking forward to my first US Open at Torrey Pines, where I have played many times previously when I was still a junior,” said the 24-year-old Murakami, who primarily and regularly competes in the Asian Tour where he owns one victory—the Iskandar Johor Open.

The US Open fires off from June 12 to 15.

Surreal as it is, Murakami is still in awe about his first US Open, the second Major in the United States.  He recalled it was five years ago when he took time off from the game and caddied for mentor and fellow Asian Tour Frankie Miñoza for a full season in the Japan Golf Tour.

Through the prodding of Miñoza, Murakami returned to golf with flair and in 2004, he was part of the Philippine squad which saw action in the World Amateur Team Championship, or the Eisenhower Cup, in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

Murakami had two more career victories that included the 2007 Omega Invitational and the 1999 Philippine Amateur Championship.

At the Japan sectional, Murakami enjoyed a bogey-free round in the morning session for a share of fourth place.  He made four birdies and zoomed to the top in the first nine of the afternoon game.

With nine holes left and the US Open ticket already in the bag, Murakami slipped out of the lead with bogeys on Nos. 15 and 17. 

“My goal was to avoid bogeys. But I missed putts from seven feet on the 15th and 17th holes and to be honest, I was ready to give up after those two bogeys,” said Murakami.

However, steady hands around the green proved crucial to his bid.  Murakami chipped in a magical shot that set up the closing birdie from within three feet and he got back the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play alongside the world’s No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods.

“I am really happy to make a birdie at the last hole to get a spot,” Murakami added.

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ARTEMIO Murakami is eagerly excited about his stint in the US Open.

What’s even more motivating for his homecoming to host venue Torrey Pines in San Diego—site of several junior tournaments which he joined in the past—is the fact that he’ll be actually playing in the prestigious tournament.

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