MGA: Massachusetts Golf Association Illustration Illustration

News Release

For Immediate Release: June 13, 2002

 Eric McPhail (Chicopee, MA) shot even par 72 at Ballymeade CC, while Tele Wightman (Chicopee, MA) was 3-under par 68 at Juniper Hill GC. By the end of the day, both players had performed well enough to earn medalist honors at U.S. Amateur Public Links Local Qualifying held today at the two Massachusetts sites.

Thanks to a magnificent 3-under par 33 back-nine performance, McPhail - the 2001 Massachusetts Public Links champion - was able to edge Brian Velardo (Wilmington, MA) and Craig Watson (Purdys, NY) by a one-stroke margin. The tough Ballymeade CC course saw the final qualifiers make the cut with a score of 8-over par 80.

Meanwhile, Wightman fought off a charge by Chris Rivard (Manchester, NH) but was able to cling onto medalist honors at Juniper Hill GC. Rivard finished his day with a score of 2-under par 69 for sole possession of second place.

The 39 qualifiers from today's action have earned the right to advance to U.S. Amateur Public Links Sectional Qualifying, which will take place on June 20 at Bretwood GC in New Hampshire. The Championship event will be contested at The Orchards Golf Club in Washington, MI on July 15-20.