News Release

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2005

Headline: Local Amateurs Dominate to Advance at U.S. Mid-Amateur Sectional Qualifying

Norton, MA – After 18 holes of sectional qualifying at two sites, nine golfers have earned a spot at next month’s U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. Sectional qualifying for this USGA-sponsored event was held today at The Ranch Golf Club (Southwick) and Golf Club of New England (Stratham, NH).

Leading the way at Golf Club of New England with a score of 3-under par 69 was six-time Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year Frank Vana, Jr. (Shrewsbury, MA). Vana, who capped off his round with birdies on the 17 th and 18 th holes, was one of four qualifiers at that site. Also advancing were Brian Higgins (Bellingham, MA) with a score of 2-under par 70 as well as James Whitney (South Hamilton, MA) and Craig Steckowych (Greenland, NH) who turned in scores of 1-under par 71.

Meanwhile in Southwick, Brendan Hester (Northbridge, MA), Andy Drohen (Granville, MA) and Ed Budz (Williamstown, MA) were among five qualifiers to advance. Hester and Drohen shot identical scores of 2-under par 70 while Budz finished as the fourth qualifier at 1-under par 71. Capturing medalist honors at that site was Rob Tedoldi, Jr. (South Windsor, CT) with a score of 4-under par 68.

Vana, Drohen and Hester were among a handful of local amateur golfers who just last week advanced to the U.S. Amateur Championship following qualifying rounds that were held at Hickory Ridge Country Club and Warwick Country Club (RI).

Sectional qualifying is being held at 69 sites located across the country. From the more than 3,000 golfers making the attempt at sectional qualifying, only 264 players (including exemptions) advance to the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship, which will be held on September 10-15 at The Honors Course in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifying
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Golf Club of New England – Stratham, NH
18 Holes - Par 72 (36-36)

Qualifiers
1) Frank Vana Jr (Shrewsbury, MA) 34-35--69
2) Brian Higgins (Bellingham, MA) 37-33--70
3) James Whitney (S Hamilton, MA) 35-36--71
4) Craig Steckowych (Greenland, NH) 35-36--71

Alternates
1st Philip Pleat (Nashua, NH) 34-38--72
2nd Chris Rivard (Manchester, NH) 33-40--73

U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifying
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
The Ranch Golf Club – Southwick, MA
18 Holes - Par 72 (36-36)

Qualifiers
1) Rob Tedoldi Jr (South Windsor, CT) 35-33--68
2) Brendan Hester (Northbridge, MA) 33-37--70
3) Andy Drohen (Granville, MA) 34-36--70
2) Ed Budz (Williamstown, MA) 35-36--71
3) Tim Kremer (Port St Lucie, FL) 35-37--72

Alternates
1st Steven Tasho (North Easton, MA) 34-39--73
2nd George Pirie (Warwick, RI) 36-38--74