News Release

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2005

Headline: Michael Bechard & Jim West Lead Pack of 14 at Massachusetts Open Qualifying

Grafton, MA – Michael Bechard (Greenock CC) and Jim West (Jewett City, CT) finished with scores of 1-under par 71 this afternoon to lead a field of competitors during the first day of Massachusetts Open qualifying, which was held at Highfields Golf & Country Club. A total of 14 golfers advanced to the Championship event, which will be held on June 20-22 at Vesper Country Club.

Finishing in sole possession of third place and as the top amateur was LJ Tosches (Highfields G&CC), who no doubt utilized his home course knowledge to fire a score of 1-over par 73. Also advancing with scores of 2-over par 74 were Scott Hawley (West Palm Beach, FL) and Gary Young (Pleasant Valley CC). Other local amateurs who earned a berth into the Massachusetts Open Championship today were: Chuck Lane (Ellinwood CC), Ray Vigeant (New England CC), Jay Kunkel (Pleasant Valley CC) and David Holmes (Wachusett CC).

The Massachusetts Open Championship debuted in 1905 when Donald Ross captured the inaugural title. Since that time, some of the greatest golfers in the history of the game have earned this prestigious Championship including Walter Hagen, Jesse Guilford, Francis Ouimet, Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson and Paul Harney.

The Massachusetts Open represents the only event on the MGA Championship schedule that is open to both amateur and professional golfers. Competitors for this year’s event must have an up-to-date MGA/USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4.

Massachusetts Open Qualifying - Day 1 Notes:
• Four more days of Massachusetts Open qualifying will take place on the following days: May 25 (Chicopee CC, Framingham CC); May 26 (Quashnet Valley CC); May 31 (CC of Halifax); and June 1 (Turner Hill G&RC).
• More than 450 applications, including 41 exemptions, were received for this year’s Massachusetts Open Championship. Following the qualifying rounds, 150 golfers will compete at the Championship, which will be held at Vesper Country Club on June 20-22. Championship pairings and tee times will be faxed out prior to the event.