Oshrine’s 5-under-par 66 to earns medalist honors; Miller, Brennan, Berry, and Brown also advance
Phoenix, Md. – Local Qualifying for the United States Golf Association’s 121st U.S. Open was held Thursday, May 6 at Hillendale Country Club. The par 71 course played at 6818 yards and was administered by the Maryland State Golf Association.
With players facing thick rough and steady winds, Matt Oshrine of Baltimore, MD led the way and claimed medalist honors after firing a 5-under-par 66.
Familiarity with Hillendale helped Oshrine, who credited a steady putter and knowledgeable caddie as keys to success during his round. Tallying six birdies on the day, including a 35-footer on the par 5, No. 5 he left himself with many opportunities to go low.
“I’ve played a lot of rounds out here and having [former coach] Chris Baloga caddying for me really helped,” said Oshrine. “I took care of the par 5s and had a lot of looks at birdie.”
After over an inch of rain in the days leading up to the qualifier, the greens were slower than usual and Oshrine used that to his advantage.
“I could putt aggressively today, which is something you can’t usually do out here,” he said.
Joining Oshrine and advancing to Sectional Qualifying was fellow professional Brad Miller (Baltimore, MD). Miller’s round of 2-under-par, 69 featured birdies on Nos. 1, 8, 9, and 14. Also moving on was amateur Michael Brennan (Leesburg, VA) who recorded four birdies en route to a 1-under-par, 70.
A playoff was needed between the six players at even-par, 71 to determine the final two advancing spots.
It took three playoff holes – Nos. 1, 9, & 3 – for Brandon Berry (Great Falls, VA) to secure the fourth qualifying spot. Berry’s tee shot on the par 3, No. 3 left him with less than five feet for birdie and helped punch his ticket to the next round.
The fifth and final advancing spot was a show down between Evan Brown (Kennett Square, PA) and Dan Walters (Winston-Salem, NC). Both made par on the fourth and fifth playoff holes before heading to the uphill par 4, No. 4. Walters’ tee shot safely found the fairway while Brown’s drive came to rest in the greenside bunker. With a wedge in, Walters left himself with an uphill putt for birdie. Brown’s bunker shot checked up leaving him with a right-to-left, 30-foot putt. Not wanting to leave his attempt short, Brown found his ball hitting the back of the cup for birdie. This put the pressure on Walters, who’s putt was dead center but came up inches short handing Brown the fifth advancing spot. Walters became the site’s first alternate and Jack Wall (Brielle, NJ) the second alternate.
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.
