Headline: Local Club Professional – Billy Downes – Claims Medalist Honors at U.S. Open Local Qualifying Held at Twin Hills Country Club
For Immediate Release: May 10, 2010
Longmeadow, MA — Last spring, longtime Hampden resident Billy Downes was named head golf professional at Hampden Country Club. On this day he notched another achievement... that of medalist at U.S. Open Local Qualifying.
Competing against a field of top amateur and professional players at Twin Hills County Club, Downes posted a day-low score of 1-over par 72 to finish as one of three qualifiers at the Western Massachusetts site.
Joining Downes at the next stage of sectional qualifying are Rick Leal (West Springfield, MA) and Andy Miller (Boston, MA), who captured the final two qualifying spots following a five-for-two playoff. These individuals were three of 9,052 golfers who filed U.S. Open entries this year with the hope of teeing it up at Pebble Beach (CA) Golf Links on June 17-20.
It was not an easy road for Downes today as he began his round with a double bogey on the 525-yard, par 5 1st hole. His experience shined through, however, as he responded by making back-to-back birdies to pull even for the day through three holes. After making the turn at even par 35, Downes carded one bogey and eight pars to finish at 1-over par 72.
This latest accomplishment is one in a long line for Downes as he was an accomplished professional player before back surgery forced him to refocus his efforts on serving as a teaching professional.
Recognized as one of the region's top players during the 1990s, Downes spent time on several major tours and posted a T10 finish at a PGA Tour event in 1994 at Pleasant Valley Country Club.
Most recently, Downes served as a teaching and assistant professional at Elmcrest Country Club. His move to Hampden Country Club last year was no big surprise... after all his 9-under par 63 round scored in the early 1990s still stands as the Hampden Country Club course record!
U.S. Open Local Qualifying
Monday, May 10, 2010
Twin Hills Country Club (Longmeadow, MA)
Par 72 (36-36)
Qualifiers
1) Billy Downes (Longmeadow, MA) — 35-37–72
T2) Rick Leal (West Springfield, MA) — 36-37–73
T2) Andy Miller (Boston, MA) — 36-37–73
Alternates
1st) Hal Jacobs (Hudson, MA) — 35-38–73
2nd) a-Steven Bys (Chicopee, MA) — 36-37–73
