News Release

For Immediate Release: June 7, 2004

Headline: Michael Coppolino Leads Field at Day 1 of Massachusetts Amateur Qualifying

Reading, MA – Michael Coppolino (Red Tail GC) became the first medalist at 2004 Massachusetts Amateur qualifying this afternoon by firing an even par 72 at Meadow Brook Golf Club. Qualifying for the 96th playing of the Massachusetts Amateur is being held this week in preparation for the Championship event, which is scheduled for July 12-16 at Taconic Golf Club.

Coppolino, the only player to shoot even par this afternoon, finished two shots ahead of Nicholas Stevens (CC of Billerica) and Aaron Ungvarsky (CC of Billerica), who shot 2-over par 74. Also qualifying at Meadow Brook GC today were Ken Whalley (Ferncroft CC), Ken Gys (Mount Pleasant GC) and Philip Bracey (Unicorn GC).

Additional qualifying rounds will be held on June 9-10 and June 14-16 at the following sites:

June 9 – Andover CC
June 10 – Marlborough CC
June 14 – Bass Rocks GC; CC of New Bedford; Pine Brook CC; Wampatuck CC
June 15 – Crumpin-Fox Club; Wahconah CC
June 16 – Cummaquid GC; Franklin CC

A total of 747 players are vying for 123 qualifying spots during this year’s qualifying. Twenty-one players, including 2003 champion Andy Drohen (St. Anne CC), are exempt from qualifying this year.

The Massachusetts Amateur Championship, the oldest championship conducted by the MGA, was first conducted in 1903. This competition crowns the best amateur player in the state and is open to competitors who possess an up-to-date MGA/USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 4.4.