SKILLMAN, N.J. (May 8, 2008) – Six golfers advanced to the sectional qualifying stage for the 2008 U.S. Open Championship during local qualifying held Thursday, May 8, at the Bedens Brook Club in Skillman, N.J.
Michael Bergstol of Mount Bethel, Pa., and Jim Famula of Basking Ridge, N.J., both fired even-par 72s to lead the field of 93 professional and amateur players. Frank Esposito of Monroe, N.J., the 2007 NJPGA Player of the Year, and amateur Robert Cronheim of Watchung, N.J., both fired one-over 73s to qualify. Mark Yannotta of Whippany, N.J., and Josh Immordino of Auburn, Wash., emerged from a five-man playoff to claim the final two qualifying spots after rounds of 74. Keith Grassing of Wayne, N.J., and Brent Studer of Manasquan, N.J., will be the first and second alternates, respectively.
Today’s event was the first of four U.S. Open Local Qualifying Rounds conducted by the Metropolitan Golf Association. The event is open to both professional and amateur golfers with a USGA Handicap Index of 1.4 or better. Today’s qualifiers advance to the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Round scheduled for Monday, June 2, at Old Oaks Country Club and Century Country Club, both in Purchase, N.Y. Sectional qualifying is the final stage before the 108th U.S. Open Championship at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, Calif., on June 9 – 15.
A complete list of today’s qualifiers is attached. For more information contact Bob Nielsen or Gene Westmoreland of the MGA at (914) 347-GOLF (4653) or visit the MGA website at www.mgagolf.org.
Contact:
Bob Nielsen
bnielsen@mgagolf.org
