Two-time US Open Champion Lee Janzen topped the field in Sectional Qualifying at Century and Old Oaks country clubs in Purchase Monday, securing a spot for himself in this year’s US Open to be held at Chambers Bay, Washington, on June 18-21. Janzen marched around both courses in four-under-par 137.
Seventy-one hopefuls teed off on the two courses in hopes of grabbing one of four spots in the US Open. The drizzly weather in the morning didn’t do anywhere near as much to dampen spirits as did the tough competition among players from across the country. In addition to Janzen, the roster included three-time PGA Tour winner Johnson Wagner and numerous club pros and scratch amateurs from around the world.
Jamie Lovemark of Scottsdale, Arizona took second place, two shots behind Janzen. Former St. John’s star Pat Wilson tied for third in the qualifier with Rich Berberian of Dover, New Hampshire. Both were one shot back at 140, giving them spots in the Open.
A delicate downhill chip on the ninth hole at Century Country Club. |
Just outside the qualifying scores with one over par was Matt Dobyns, the head pro at Fresh Meadow Country Club, who advanced through both local and sectional qualifying last year. He tied Johnson Wagner’s 142.
Amateur and Century Country Club member Matthew Thomas was two over par, as was Mark Watros, the caddie master at the Country Club of Darien. Both were in the group of eight players to advance from local qualifying at Elmwood Country Club in White Plains.
Another local player of note, Mike Miller, a native of Brewster and son of Knollwood head pro Bob Miller, was also two over. Miller is currently competing on the Canadian PGA Tour, where he tied for 31st in his tour debut last month.
Purchase was one of ten locations in the US (plus one in Japan and one in England) where hopefuls for the US Open get a chance to win a spot in the field of 156 at Chambers Bay.