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Jeff Golden and Chris Condello |
Jeff Golden and
Chris Condello, two of Florida’s finest amateurs,
advanced to the 107th U.S. Open Championship from
sectional qualifying conducted by the Florida State Golf
Association at Jupiter Hills Club on June
4.
Jeff Golden, 22, of Winter Park, went wire-to-wire to earn
medalist and low amateur honors posting a tournament total
of 142. In the first round, Golden started strong with
birdies on holes one and two to record a 4-under par 31 on
the front nine. Golden scored a 36 on the back nine to lead
with a 67 after 18 holes. “The morning round was great,”
said Golden. “I made a lot of putts.” In the final round,
Golden shot a 75 to reserve his spot in the Open. “It’s
awesome,” said Golden. “I don’t know what to expect but it’s
unbelievable.” Golden, who recently wrapped up his college
golf career at Rollins, will be playing in the State Amateur
this month and will likely turn professional later this
summer.
Chris Condello secured his spot in the U.S. Open after
winning a playoff on the first hole. Condello, 21, of
Heathrow, posted a 73 in the first round to trail Golden by
six. In the final round, Condello started on the 10th hole.
After nine holes, Condello made the turn at 2-under par. On
his back nine, Condello birdied Jupiter Hills’ 6th hole and
reached the 9th hole, his final hole, needing a birdie to
join the playoff for the final qualifying spot. Facing the
difficult 211-yard par 3, Condello hit a cut 3-iron into a
strong wind to three feet which he made for birdie. In the
playoff with Akio Sadakata, Sadakata missed the green right
and was unable to salvage par while Condello made a par
saving 8 foot putt to win the playoff for the final
qualifying spot. “I fought hard,” said Condello. “This means
the world to me; I’ve been working so hard.” Condello, a
senior at Columbia University, is the 2007 Ivy League
Individual Champion and also will be playing in the State
Amateur at Innisbrook.
For complete sectional results,
please
click here.
Track these fine juniors at
www.usopen.com. |
