Mercer Island High School senior golfer and Duke University commit Ethan Evans advanced through the U.S. Open local qualifier on May 17 at Tumble Creek Club in Cle Elum.

He posted a 3-under 69 to finish in a first-place tie and advances to final qualifying for a chance to compete in the U.S. Open, which will be held June 16-19 at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. To be eligible for the local qualifier, golfers must either be a professional, or be an amateur with a Handicap Index of 1.4 or less.

Final qualifying for Evans, an amateur, will be contested over 36 holes on June 6 at Pronghorn Resort (Nicklaus Course) in Bend, Oregon.

In a previous article, the Reporter asked Evans what’s the best piece of advice he’s ever been given: “I think don’t let every golf shot or every golf round be life and death. Just enjoy it. Having fun is the most important thing. I think you’ll get the most out of your golf game if you have those positive thoughts when you’re playing.”