After completing his first season as a Gator just a few months ago, Yuxin Lin traveled across the pond this weekend to participate in the 149th Open Championship.
The USC transfer made his fourth appearance in a major championship this weekend after competing in the 2018 and 2020 Masters and the 2018 Open. The fourth time was the charm for Lin, as he made the cut at a major for the first time in his young career.
Lin got off to a hot start Thursday, leading all amateurs after he carded a 1-under-par 69. The strong opening round gave the sophomore room for error entering Friday, as he was multiple strokes above the projected cut. A 2-over-par 72 placed Lin right on the cut line, securing him two more cracks at the course.
Only two amateurs saw the weekend at Royal St. George’s in Sandwich, United Kingdom. Lin was joined by Matthais Schmid, who just finished his senior season at Louisville.
When the championship came to a close, Lin slotted in next to Richard Mansell in a tie for 74th. The golfers both finished at 6-over-par. Lin’s nine birdies over four days lead all amateurs.
Entering his junior year and second season at Florida, Lin is set up to be a staple of the Gators men’s golf team. He looks to build off of a 2020-21 season where he competed in seven events, highlighted by a team-best tie for sixth in UF’s victory at the Gators Invitational.
Two past Gators competed in The Open.
Billy Horschel, who teed it up at the event six previous times, made the cut for the second time this year. The Florida alumnus shot a 1-over-par 281, resulting in a tie for 51st.
Sam Horsfield made his Open debut this weekend. The Englishman’s low round came with a 1-under-par 69 on Saturday before he concluded the championship in a tie for 67th at 3-over-par.
Contact Joseph Henry at jhenry@alligator.org. Follow him on Twitter @Josephhenry2424.
Joseph Henry is a fourth-year sports journalism major and is the Alligator's sports editor. He previously worked as senior news director, assistant sports editor, men's basketball beat reporter, volleyball beat reporter and golf beat reporter. He enjoys sitting down to watch a movie as often as possible, collecting vinyl and drinking Dr. Pepper.
