LAKEVILLE, Mass. – As with any competitive golf event, it is duly noted who leads the way. But when you’re talking about a U.S. Open local qualifier – which is where golfers put their dreams on the line – more times than not the flavor comes a wee bit down the leaderboard.
Which is why Tuesday’s competition at LeBaron Hills CC checked all the boxes for those who embrace the spirit of this annual quest.
Yes, some cream went out in the first few groups and wasted little time in rising to the top – Ben Spitz of Milton, Mass. (5-under 67) and Kevin Gately of Pembroke, Mass., and Matt Parziale of Brockton, Mass. (both at 68), all aced this U.S. Open local qualifying test and advanced to the next round on June 5 – but in these affairs, the storylines that deserved your attention came later in the day.
“There wasn’t a lot of wind and the course was terrific,” said Spitz, whose 67 was matched later in the day by former Rhode Island State Amateur champion Jake Bauer.