Tradition kept with An's pairing

Bradenton's Ben An is scheduled to play his first two rounds of the United States Open just like all the previous U.S. Amateur champs have, by teeing it up with the reigning British Open champ and the defending U.S. Open champ.

An, an amateur bound for the University of California-Berkley next fall, is being paired with Stewart Cink and Lucas Glover when the second major of the year kicks off Thursday at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links.

An will tee off No. 1 at 8:17 a.m. for round one and off No. 10 at 1:47 p.m. on Friday.

While An is the lone Bradenton golfer in the field, West Florida Golf Tour regular Travis Hampshire of Tampa is also playing.

An received an exemption due to his triumph at the U.S. Amateur last year, and Hampshire gained his entry through the rigorous qualifying stages.

Hampshire won a spot at the lone Florida sectional, held at McArthur Golf Club in Hobe Sound.

He's hovered around the top of the WFGT's Order of Merit standings during the tour's inaugural season this year based off a couple victories and high finishes in other tournaments.

Now he'll play in the U.S. Open with fellow professional Dan McCarthy and amateur Joseph Bramlett in the first two rounds.

He'll tee off No. 10 at 9:12 a.m. Thursday, and off No. 1 at 2:42 p.m. Friday.