South African Grace, US foursome fill Open field

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - South African Branden Grace and four American players were named to the 156-player field for this week's US Open based upon the newest world golf rankings list.

The US Golf Association, which will stage the year's second major men's championship starting Thursday at The Olympic Club, added Grace and American Spencer Levin based on a top-60 position in Monday's world rankings list.

Because five spots were held open for players to qualify by rankings, three alternates from sectional qualifying were allowed into the field as a result. They were Americans Justin Hicks, Kyle Thompson and Colt Knost.

Grace, ranked 54th, has won three times of the European Tour this year. The 24-year-old from Pretoria will make his US Open debut.

Levin will make his third US Open appearance thanks to finishing 60th in the rankings. His best showing was a share of 13th as an amateur at Shinnecock Hills in 2004.

Knost won the 2007 US Amateur title at The Olympic Club.