Headline: Brian Higgins Dazzles During 2010 U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifying at Boston Golf Club; Scott Congdon and Antonio Grillo Also Advance Today
For Immediate Release: July 27, 2010
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Brian Higgins was one of three Bay State golfers to advance to the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship on July 27. |
Hingham, MA – Brian Higgins (Franklin CC) continued to be the hottest golfer in New England.
On a beautiful day in Hingham, the 2010 New England Amateur Champion (he captured that title last week) posted two stellar scores of 2-under par 69 to finish with a 36-hole total of 4-under par 138 and earn medalist honors at U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifying held at the Boston Golf Club.
This year's medalist success makes up for last year when he finished as first alternate. Over the course of his career, he has advanced to three U.S. Amateur Championships (2002, 2008 and 2010).
"It was a very challenging golf course," said Higgins, who is the defending and two-time Massachusetts Mid-Amateur Champion. "Approach shots were critical and I hit many on the proper side of the hole."
During his morning 18 holes, he carded seven birdies and five bogies to lead the field by one stroke. He made the turn at even par 35 and then exploded for four birdies – including three straight on the 15th, 16th and 17th holes – and two bogies.
Following a brief lunch break, Higgins picked up where he left off and came through with another 2-under par 69 round that included three birdies and just one bogey. He finished as the only competitor in the 78-player field to finish under par.
"The greens were very severe and required you to be on the proper side all day," said Higgins, who advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2010 Massachusetts Amateur Championship and captured the 2010 Worcester County Amateur. "I made a bunch of six to eight foot putts but I also missed some too. I just kept it in front of me… overall it was a solid day for me."
Finishing six and seven strokes back of Higgins, respectively, but more importantly capturing the second and third qualifying spots were Scott Congdon (Foxboro, MA) and Peter Williamson (Hanover, NH).
Congdon, who earlier this year partnered with older cousin Chris Congdon to finish second at the 2010 Massachusetts Four-Ball Championship, carded a round of 1-under par 70 during the afternoon hours to clinch his spot at Championship Proper, which will be held on August 23-29 at Chambers Bay in University Place, Washington.
In addition to opening the door of opportunity to these three qualifiers, today marked the first time that the Boston Golf Club has hosted a USGA qualifying event. The course was the vision and passion of the late John Mineck, who served for years on the MGA's Executive Committee and was a staunch supporter of the organization's junior golf program.
In honor of his contributions and legacy, the Boston Golf Club will later this fall host the 2010 John D. Mineck DBC Junior Cup, which will showcase 36 of the nation's top junior golfers.
In Other Qualifying News
Across the border in Rhode Island, former Massachusetts Junior Amateur Champion Antonio Grillo (Vineyard Haven, MA) posted a 5-under par 66 during the afternoon round at Potowomut Golf Club in Warwick to help him achieve medalist honors at that U.S. Amateur Sectional qualifying site.
Grillo finished with a two-round total of 4-under par 138 and was one of three qualifiers at that site. Grillo, a former Christopher Cutler Rich MGA Junior Player of the Year, is currently a member of the golf team at Harvard University.
Click here for final results from the Potowomut Golf Club site.
2010 U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifying
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Boston Golf Club (Hingham, MA)
Par 142 (71-71)
Qualifiers
1) Brian Higgins (Bellingham, MA) 69-69—138
2) Scott Congdon (Foxboro, MA) 74-70—144
3) Peter Williamson (Hanover, NH) 70-75—145
Alternates
1) Mike Dunham (Concord, MA) 74-72—146
2) Doug Clapp (Walpole, MA) 72-75—147
