Phoenix, Md. – Local Qualifying for the United States Golf Association’s 122nd U.S. Open was held Thursday, May 12th, at Hillendale Country Club. The par 71 course played at 6820 yards and was administered by the Maryland State Golf Association.
With good weather conditions, players could take advantage and go low as both Matt Oshrine (Baltimore, Maryland) and Michael Crowley (Hunt Valley, Maryland) shot three-under, par 68, to earn medalist honors. Joining Matt and Michael for the two remaining qualifying spots were Benton Weinberg (Iowa City, Iowa) and Brad Riley (Olney, Maryland). Both Benton and Brad shot two-under, par 69, to qualify for the US Open Final Qualifier.
This is Oshrine’s second year in a row winning medalist honor at the Local Qualifying for the US Open. Last year, Oshrine recorded a five-under, par 66, on a windy day at Hillendale Country Club to take the medalist honors.
There was also a playoff for the 1st and 2nd alternate spots as Carlo Pizzano (Pinehurst, Maryland) and Lee Detmer (Washington, District of Columbia) carded a one-under-par 70 at the end of the day. The playoff holes that were selected were holes 3 (197-yard par 3), hole 4 (358-yard par 4), and hole 2 (436-yard par 4). The holes were played in that order and would be played in a continuous circle until a winner was made.
Both Detmer and Pizzano hit the green and two-putted for par on the first playoff hole. Moving onto the 4th hole Detmer crushed his drive down the fairway but left his approach shot short. Pizzano happened to hit his drive in the left rough but hit a nice approach shot which left him with a good opportunity for a birdie and the win. However, the putt was missed, and both players pared and moved to hole 2. Neither player hit the green on their approach shots, but Detmer got up and down for par. Pizzano had a chance to send the playoff to another hole but unfortunately missed the par putt. Detmer was then declared the first alternate, and Pizzano was awarded the 2nd alternate spot for the US Open Final Qualifier.
Final Qualifying will be held from May 23rd until June 6th.
About the Maryland State Golf Association
Founded in 1921, the Maryland State Golf Association fulfills its constitutional mandate by promoting the best interests and true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions; sponsoring and conducting state tournaments as well as USGA qualifying rounds each year; educating and informing Maryland golfers about changes in the Rules of Golf; fostering respect for the game of golf as well as its Rules; and awarding scholarships.
