Paul Dunne reaches first US Open after marathon qualifier

Paul Dunne secured a place at the US Open after a marathon qualifying session in England

Irish golfer Paul Dunne has secured a place at next month's US Open after coming through an international sectional qualifier in Walton Heath.

The 24-year-old finished his 36 holes of qualifying on nine under and then emerged from a seven-man play-off to grab one of the final four spots.

In all, there were 15 places available at the qualifying tournament.

Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington missed out on qualification after finishing on one over.

Gryestones golfer Dunne joins Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry in the field at Erin Hills in Wisconsin on 15-18 June.

2011 winner Rory McIlroy's participation in the tournament is in doubt as he continues to recover from a rib injury.

Qualifiers: Aaron Rai (Eng) -14; Haotong Li (Chi) -13; Alexander Levy (Fra) -12; Richie Ramsey (Sco) -12; Oliver Bekker (SA) -11; Joel Stalter (Fra) -11; Bradley Dredge (Wal) -11; Eddie Pepperell (Eng) -11; Brandon Stone (SA) -10; George Coetzee (S Africa) -10; Andrew Johnston (Eng) -10; Paul Dunne (ROI) -9; Matt Wallace (Eng) -9; Thomas Aiken (SA) -9; Wade Ormsby (Aus) -9.