Ian Poulter's heartfelt message to son Luke after play-off heartbreak

Ian Poulter says his son Luke should hold his head up high despite coming agonisingly short of securing his first major championship start. 

Luke was one of hundreds of golfers that took part in U.S. Open Final Qualifying on Monday.

The amateur was in the field at Emerald Dunes Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Golf's longest day was made even more burdensome and stressful for Luke as play was suspended after he completed 21 holes of the 36-hole qualifier due to bad weather.

He returned 24 hours later and ultimately went round in 65 and his card included five birdies, one eagle and no dropped shots.

Luke's 10-under total wasn't good enough to punch his ticket into the third men's major of the year.

But it did earn him the opportunity to get to Oakmont in a sudden-death playoff against the more experienced Austen Truslow. 

Truslow, who has been a pro since 2015, made birdie on the second playoff hole to advance. 

"It stings a bit," a dejected Luke later wrote on Instagram, adding: "But [I am] happy with the way I played and that I gave myself the opportunity."

Luke's father Ian believes if he keeps working hard then he will realise his dreams.

One can only assume his aspirations are to follow in his father's footsteps by winning professional golf tournaments worldwide and one day representing Europe in the Ryder Cup.

Luke will hope he have bragging rights over his father by winning a major championship. 

Ian's best finish in a major championship was at the 2008 Open where he finished runner-up to Padraig Harrington. 

"I can't believe how impressive today's 65 was to get into that position," Ian wrote. "We keep using this as incredible experience and we keep getting better.

"This one will hurt but this is a very long road ahead. You've done so well these last five months after last year's injury.

"Hold your head high and look how close you've come to playing your first major championship.

"We're so proud of the journey and experience you're gaining on a weekly basis.

"If you stay confident and keep working the way you are, you will fulfil your dreams. We get back to work and keep pushing. You my friend inspire me daily."

Nicolai Hojgaard, who represented Europe when the Ryder Cup matches were last played in Italy, was also in the field at Emerald Dunes Golf Club.

He finished two shots outside of a playoff.

Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell came up short. The LIV Golf recruit was five adrift. 

Max Homa and Rickie Fowler were among the notables to miss out. 

The PGA Tour members were in a five-for-one playoff that was ultimately won by Cameron Young. 

Homa fired his caddie before the 36-hole marathon began and carried his bag all day. 

Though he did not feel like talking about the situation.