Iceland's Arni Sveinsson becomes first player from his country at US Open

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 8:40 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Iceland's Arni Sveinsson becomes first player from his country at US Open

Summary

Arni Sveinsson, a 19-year-old golfer from Iceland, has qualified for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, making history as the first player from his country to achieve this feat. Currently a junior at LSU, Sveinsson qualified after navigating a four-for-three playoff at a recent qualifying event in Ohio. During his golf journey, he has experienced significant growth, winning collegiate tournaments and participating in prestigious events like the Arnold Palmer Cup. Sveinsson is set to compete in the U.S. Open, where he plans to focus on learning and enjoying the experience without setting specific expectations.

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Key Details

•Sveinsson plays at Shinnecock Hills on June 17.
•He qualified through a playoff at Lakes Golf & Country Club in Ohio.
•The golfer won tournaments during his tenure at LSU.
•He aims to learn from other competitors while enjoying the experience.
•Golf courses in Iceland face challenges, with limited availability during summer.

Latest Updates

8:40 PMYahoo Sports — A teenager from Iceland, who goes to LSU, will be the first from that country to play in the US Open

What they're saying

"
“It's pretty surreal, obviously, being around here,” said the 19-year-old from Garðabær, who is going into his junior year at LSU and, now, is on the tee sheet Thursday at Shinnecock Hills. The path from his home near Iceland's capital of Reykjavík, to Louisiana's capital of Baton Rouge, and now to Long Island has, not surprisingly, been anything but direct.
— Yahoo Sportsby EDDIE PELLS

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