News Release

For Immediate Release: July 25, 2005

Headline: Local Player Ken Whalley Advances to U.S. Amateur Championship Following Qualifying

Salem, MA – After 36 holes of local qualifying, three golfers have earned a spot at next month’s U.S. Amateur Championship. Local qualifying for this USGA-sponsored event was held today at Kernwood Country Club in Salem, Massachusetts.

Matt Giftos (Nashua, NH) traveled south from New Hampshire to qualify today, and he proved that the trip was well worth the effort. Giftos fired an even par 70 before posting his final 18-hole score of 3-over par 73 to capture medalist honors.

Finishing in second place was another New Hampshire player, Matthew Arvanitis (Manchester, NH), who registered a 36-hole total of 4-over par 144. Claiming the third and final qualifying spot was local competitor Ken Whalley (Topsfield, MA) with a score of 4-over par 144.

A second and final day of local qualifying will be held on Tuesday, August 2 nd at Hickory Ridge Country Club (Amherst , MA). Those individuals will join today’s qualifiers at the U.S. Amateur Championship, scheduled to take place on August 22-28 at Merion Golf Clubin Ardmore, Pennsylvania .

The MGA annually conducts qualifying rounds for the major United States Golf Association (USGA) Championships, including the U.S. Open, Senior Open, Amateur, Junior Amateur, Senior Amateur, Mid-Amateur and the Amateur Public Links.

U.S. Amateur Qualifying
Monday, July 25, 2005
Kernwood CC – Salem , MA
36 Holes - Par 140 (70-70)

Qualifiers
1 Matt Giftos (Nashua, NH) 70-73--143
2 Matthew Arvanitis (Manchester, NH) 74-70--144
3 Ken Whalley (Topsfield, MA) 73-71--144

Alternates
1st Philip Pleat (Nashua, NH) 74-72--146
2nd Kevin Quinn (Needham, MA) 74-72--146