News Release

For Immediate Release: August 14, 2006

Headline: Three Local Golfers Headline U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifying Held at The Kittansett Club

Marion, MA – Under windy, gusty conditions in Marion, six golfers – including three from the Bay State – played their way into next month's U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship following 18 holes of sectional qualifying. Qualifying for this USGA-sponsored event was held today at The Kittansett Club.

Leading the way on The Kittansett Club layout was Brendan Monahan (Belmont, MA), who posted a medalist score of 2-over par 72. Monahan, who plays out of Winchester Country Club, made the turn at even par 35 and then played 2-over par golf through his final nine holes to secure the top spot. Just one spot back of Monahan with a score of 3-over par 73 was Ricky Jones (Thomaston, ME), who was the only player to post a sub-par score on the front nine. Jones made the turn at 1-under par 34 before posting a 4-over par 39 on the back nine.

Also qualifying today were two local golfers – Daniel Ladd (Weston, MA) and Kevin Quinn (Needham, MA) – who joined Craig Steckowych (Greenland, NH) as the final three qualifiers with scores of 4-over par 74. The final qualifier, Tom Collins (Marblehead, MA), prevailed in a playoff to secure his trip to Forest Highlands Golf Club.

Sectional qualifying is being held at 67 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 9-14 at Forest Highlands Golf Club in Flagstaff, Arizona.

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