Phoenix, Md. – Local Qualifying for the United States Golf Association’s 123rd U.S. Open was held Thursday, May 11th, at Hillendale Country Club. The par 72 course was converted into a par 71 and played at 6,838. The qualifier was administered by the Maryland State Golf Association. Seven spots were available to advance to the Final Qualifying stage for the 123rd U.S Open being held at Los Angeles Country Club.
Dan Walters of Winston-Salem, NC, led the way and claimed medalist honors after firing a 3-under-par 68. Walters started the front nine 2-under-par, with two birdies. After he made the turn, he made a bogey on Nos. 11 and 13. After a bogey on No. 13, he made a hole-in-one on No. 15 from 170 yards with a seven iron. To end the day, he birdie on No. 17.
Following Walters on the leaderboard, with a T2 was, Columbia CC Assistant Professional Alex Hoffman (Frederick, MD), and amateurs Will Koras (Lutherville, MD), Rylan Shim (Fairfax, VA), and Bennett Espenshade (Baltimore, MD). All scored 2-under-par 69.
After the rounds were completed, a playoff was needed for the final two qualifying spots and two alternates. Competing in the playoff were Harry Nodwell (England), Benton Weinberg (Potomac, MD), Josh Duangmanee (Fairfax, VA), and Lou Baker (Timonium, MD). Nodwell and Weinberg recorded birdies on the first hole to earn the two final qualifying spots. Duangmanee tallied a par on the first hole earning the first alternate spot, and Baker’s bogey earned him the second alternate spot for final qualifying.
The 123rd U.S. Final Qualifying will be held in England (May 16), Japan (May 22), and Canada (June 5), as well as 10 U.S. sites, including one on May 22 and nine on June 5.
The U.S. Open Championship will be held June 15-18.
