University of Northern Iowa men's and women's golf coach John Bermel has qualified for the United States Senior Open golf tournament to be held at Indianwood Golf and Country Club in Orion, Mich., July 12-15.

Bermel fired a round of 72 and then withstood a sudden-death playoff that lasted six holes.  Bermel outlasted Roy Biancalana (Sanford, Fla.) and Christian Beto (Rockford, Ill.) for the bid into the Senior Open. Bermel played his qualifying round at Big Foot Country Club in Fontana, Wis.

Bermel said he is excited about the opportunity to take part in the national championship.

"Absolutely, what a great opportunity to take part in the U.S. Senior Open," Bermel said.

It will mark the third time Bermel has participated in a golfing major. He played in the 1994 PGA Championship at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla., and the 1996 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky.

It is Bermel's first berth into a United States Golf Association event. He will turn 50 on July 8.