NORTON, Massachusetts – Three Mass Golf member clubs were among the list of the 110 clubs that will host U.S. Open local qualifiers ahead of the 119th Championship Proper, being contested at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links this June, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced on Monday.
Beginning April 29 and lasting through May 13, golf clubs in 43 states and Canada will serve as host spots where professionals and amateurs will look to take their first steps at gaining entry into the U.S. Open Championship, the USGA’s premier Championship Proper of the season and one of only four championships the USGA conducts featuring both professional and amateur competitors.
This year, the three Bay State clubs – Ledgemont Country Club in Seekonk (May 6), Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield (May 7) and Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth (May 9) – will welcome amateur golfers who have a Handicap Index® not exceeding 1.4 and professional golfers to their clubs for the 18-hole qualifier. In addition to the three Bay State clubs hosting local qualifiers, the Connecticut State Golf Association will also be conducting a U.S. Open local qualifier on May 6 at Lyman Orchards GC.
While the number of qualifying spots will be unknown until the day of competition, the three local qualifying spots can expect to see anywhere between one and five competitors advance to the sectional stage of qualifying. Following the completion of local qualifying schedule on May 13, U.S. Open sectional qualifiers will be held at a currently TBD number of sites with positioning into the Championship Proper on the line.
“We are thrilled to have Ledgemont, Berkshire Hills and Pinehills serve as the host sites for local qualifiers ahead of the 2019 U.S. Open Championship,” said Greg Howell, the newly-appointed Manager of NEGA Operations & USGA Qualifying. “The venues will provide a challenging, yet enjoyable layout that will test the abilities of all competitors and prepare them for the next stage of qualifying. We are also grateful to these three member clubs for agreeing to host these important events, and we look forward to what will undoubtedly be three fantastic days of competition.”
Registration for U.S. Open local qualifying, and other select Championship qualifiers, will begin the third week of February.
In addition to competitors who will look to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach, the field will include at least one Bay State amateur golfer for the second straight year thanks to the success of Massachusetts golfers in USGA competition.
One month after Brockton native and 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Matt Parziale captured co-low amateur honors at the 2018 U.S. Open, Wellesley native Michael Thorbjornsen, a two-time Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship Pre-Junior winner, won the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club to earn exemption into this year’s U.S. Open Championship Proper.
The 119th U.S. Open will be conducted at Pebble Beach Golf Links from June 13-16.
For more information on qualifying or registration, visit www.usopen.com.
