BRONX, N.Y. (June 11, 2013) – A field of 86 players competed for 11 spots (and ties) at the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course in Bronx, N.Y.,  on Tuesday for a trip to the 66^th MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship. When it was all over, 11 players on the number were able to conquer the short yet challenging 6,002 yard par 70 layout and qualify, all posting scores of 75 or better.

The low score of the day belonged to 32-year-old Ed Haliasz Jr., of Smithtown Landing, who earned medalist honors with a 1-under 69. Owen Elliott of MGA eClub – NYC qualified second, posting a 72. Peter Chin from St. Philip Neri qualified third with a score of 73.

Four players tied for fourth with 4-over of 74s, including Devin Solar of Haverstraw, Brian Hale of Plainfield West 9, Joseph Swick from Bethpage, and Paul Ulanich from South Shore.

The final four qualifiers for the MGA/MetLife Public Links Championship all finished with scores of 75. Matthew Yun of Douglaston, Joseph Castelli of Charleston Springs, Anthony Fioretti of Crystal Springs, and Matthew Moers of Marine Park will all have their chance at the MGA/MetLife Public Links in mid-July.

The MGA will host three more qualifiers this week to determine the final field before the championship begins on July 11 at Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury, Conn. The competition is open to all amateur golfers who play out of a public course and carry a Handicap Index of 8.0 or better.

-       By David Gordon, MGA Communications Intern