DARIEN, CONN. (July, 28 2014) – A field of 148 golfers battled for 15 qualifying positions (plus ties) today at the Sectional Qualifying Round for the 99^th Met Open Championship, played at Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Conn., for a chance to compete in the championship at Trump National - Bedminster on August 19-21.

Earning medalist honors was amateur Peter Ballo from Woodway. Ballo carded an impressive 4-under 68 while battling the gusty winds of the afternoon. Peter Ballo will join his brother, Mike, who medaled at the sectional qualifying round at Morris County Golf Club last week. Peter, who players for Sacred Heat, was named the 2014 Northeast Conference Men's Golfer of the Year.

Coming in tied for second joining Ballo with the only other under par rounds of the day were Patrick Schwarze of Wykagyl and John DiPilato Jr. of Old Oaks. Both players had scores of 1-under 71.

Also moving on for a chance to play in the 99th Met Open were amateur Max Christiana of Westchester, Daniel Powers of Wee Burn and Chris Case of Mount Kisco, all carding even par 72. 

Amateur Philip Mintz was close behind with a round of 1-over 73. 

Brian Lamberti of Richter Park, Colin Amaral of Metropolis, amateur Ross Catanzaro of Scarsdale, Shaun Powers of Fairview and amateur Dylan Newman of Hollow Brook all qualified at 2-over 74.

Rounding out the qualifiers for a chance to play at Bedminster were Brain Hussey of Fairview, amateur Merv Smith of Neshanic Valley, Benjamin Hoffhine of Wykagyl, Sam Wiley of Wee Burn and amateur Sam Sawyers of Whippoorwill at 3-over 75. 

Wee Burn Country Golf Club played to a par 35-37-72 at 6,907 yards.