Kokrak 8-under in U.S. Open qualifier

COLUMBUS — Jason Kokrak, who returned to his native Ohio to play in the Memorial last week, made a strong bid to qualify for the U.S. Open on Monday.

The Warren JFK graduate finished the 36-hole qualifier at The Lakes Golf and Country Club in Columbus at 8-under par and is currently tied for eighth place. Fifteen qualifying spots are available. Some players were still on the course at 6:30 p.m., so the 15 qualifiers had not yet been determined.

Kent State University product Ben Curtis, who won the British Open in 2003, finished 1-under par. The field also included 2003 Masters champion Mike Weir, who was tied with Kokrak and seven other players at 8-under through 14 holes.

Check back at Vindy.com for updates as play progresses. See Tuesday's Vindicator sports section for complete details.