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For Immediate Release: May 21, 2008

Headline: Mark Alizzeo, John Vaccaro Headline Day 1 of Massachusetts Open Qualifying

Norton, MA – They may have been on opposite sides of the state, but more than 130 golfers were vying for qualifying spots that would earn them a spot at next month's Massachusetts Open Championship.

Qualifying rounds were held today at Country Club of Pittsfield (Pittsfield) and Oyster Harbors Club (Osterville) with a total of 43 spots up for grabs.

Stealing the show in Osterville was Mark Alizzeo (Shrewsbury, MA) who fired a sizzling 5-under par 67 to capture medalist honors by four strokes. Alizzeo, a mini-tour player who has spent time on the New England Pro, Hooters, Grand Strand and Tar Teel Tours, stormed out of the gates by making three birdies and zero bogeys to make the turn at 3-under par 33. On the back nine, he continued his stellar play with three birdies. His lone miscue on the day came on the 420-yard, par 4 18th hole where he posted a bogey.

Finishing second to Alizzeo was newly-turned professional Steve Alminas (East Longmeadow, MA), who posted a 1-under par 71. Alminas, a two-time Massachusetts Four-Ball Champion (2005-06) and recent Winthrop University graduate, struggled during the early part of his round and found himself 3-over par through his first 11 holes. Alminas rebounded on the back nine, however, as he registered birdies on the 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th holes to cap off his 1-under par round. A total of 23 golfers advanced at that site.

In the western part of the state, John Vaccaro (Albany, NY) was the only player to post a sub-par round as he captured the top spot over a field of nearly 70 golfers. Vaccaro, an amateur who plays out of East Mountain Country Club in Westfield, made birdie on two of his first three holes and held on for medalist honors. Two other notable qualifiers were the 1992 Richard D. Haskell MGA Player of the Year Jack Kearney (Elmcrest CC) and 1993 Massachusetts Amateur Champion Flynt Lincoln (Somers, CT). Vaccaro, Kearney and Lincoln were three of 20 golfers who advanced in Pittsfield.

Two additional days of Massachusetts Open Qualifying will be held next week on May 27 (Shaker Hills Golf Club, Woodland Golf Club) and May 28 (Woods Hole Golf Club). Championship Proper will take place on June 16-18 at Stockbridge Golf Club.

©2004 Massachusetts Golf Association.