A potential 2017 U.S. Open contestant was forced to withdraw from Monday's final stage of U.S. Open sectional qualifying in Jupiter, Fla., because he didn't have clubs. And he didn't have clubs because American Airlines lost them.
Michael Buttacavoli had made the trek to the Florida east coast for the 36-hole qualifier, and he got there to find that American didn't have his clubs despite having a priority tag that's supposed to encourage the baggage crew to, you know, make it a priority that the bags get to their destination.
Thank u @AmericanAir. 1 golf bag w/ priority tags on plane & the only bag u can't find. Unfortunately have to WD from @usopengolf sectionals
— Michael Buttacavoli (@mbutta326) June 5, 2017
Buttacavoli had a back-and-forth with American, whose Twitter account offered a cursory, standard apology and promised a direct message. So far, Buttacavoli hasn't received that direct message.
Still waiting on that DM. Have another flight booked to POP tmrw for my next event. Hoping not to swallow my expenses for 2 events in 1 week
— Michael Buttacavoli (@mbutta326) June 5, 2017
Buttacavoli didn't necessarily have to play with his own clubs. He could have rented some sticks somewhere and given it a go. However, he chose not to do that, pulling out of the qualifier and losing a chance to get in the field at Erin Hills this year.
This is already bad enough, but hopefully American Airlines finds the clubs today and gets them to Buttacavoli. He's playing this week in the Dominican Republic on PGA Tour Latinoamerica.
Searched for my bag + filed missing bag report. Wouldn't have made it by then. I leave tmrw to DR for next event and need clubs
— Michael Buttacavoli (@mbutta326) June 5, 2017
American Airlines needs to take care of this situation as best they can. They can't get him another crack at making the Open field, but there has to be something.
