EPPING golfer Simon Khan will pit his wits against the likes of world number one Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at the US Open next month after storming to victory in a qualifying event for one of the highlights of the golfing calendar.

The 36-year-old European Tour pro will make only his sixth appearance in a major tournament when he takes to the tee at New York's Bethpage Black course on June 18, while it will be his debut outing at the US Open.

Khan waltzed through two rounds of golf at Walton Heath at the weekend, finishing the event atop the pile of 75 players with a score of nine under, earning his place in a field that will be littered with stars in the city that never sleeps.

Four years ago underdog Michael Campbell – who qualified from the same event as Khan – came from nowhere to win the US Open, and the local golfer has not ruled out a similarly shocking result this time around.

“Campbell came through from Walton Heath and won it, so anything is possible,” said Khan. “Anyone can do well. I don't have much experience playing in America. I played at the US PGA at Medina in Chicago, but I think it will be even harder at Bethpage.”

The course is renowned for being one of the toughest in the world, and there is even a sign warning less skilled golfers to turn back to the clubhouse on the first tee. Indeed, its thick rough, steep bunkers and plateaued greens ensured Woods was the only player to finish under par when he won there back in 2002. However, after a disappointing first half of the tour season, Khan is confident he is starting to come into his own, and insists he will relish the chance to play on such a grand stage.

He added: “I missed the cut at Wentworth (BMW Championship) last week, but when I practiced the other day something in my swing just clicked. I played really well at Walton Heath and hopefully that will be the turning point for me.

“The fairways are very narrow at Bethpage, but my strength is hitting fairways and hitting greens so I don't see why I can't go and have a very good week there.

“I enjoy playing in strong fields and I love the atmosphere. These big tournaments break up the procession of the other tour events, and I'm sure there will be plenty of noise with the New York crowd!”

Khan will take his place in the field for the European Open at the London Golf Club this week and he will also play in the Celtic Manor Wales Open – a tournament he has won in the past – before he takes to the fairways of Bethpage.