MORRISTOWN, N.J. (May 9, 2013) –  Amateurs were the story of the day at the U.S. Open Local Qualifying Round at Morris County Golf Club in Morristown, N.J. Four of the five qualifying positions were claimed by amateurs, with Pat Wilson of Andover, N.J., setting the pace early in the day with an even-par 70. The graduating St. John’s University senior said that it was important for him to make pars today, especially through the early rain, and claimed that his putting was the best part of his round. Wilson will make his second consecutive appearance at U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying on June 3 at Old Oaks Country Club and Century Country Club, both located in Purchase, N.Y.

Fellow amateur Louis Bodine, a freshman on the Rutgers University golf team from Flemington, N.J., played a 1-over front nine but came back in 1-under to put another 70 on the scoreboard. Bodine couldn’t even wait to find out if his score would qualify as he had to rush back to campus to take two final exams.

RELATED: Full Results | Video: Pat Wilson

Mark Yannotta of Whippany, N.J., the only professional to advance today, successfully carded a 70, which included four birdies to claim the third qualifying position. Yannotta, who was an assistant professional at Morris County in the ‘80s, said that staying consistent throughout the day was his key. He plans on using his playing experience to his benefit for the Sectional, as he is familiar with both Old Oaks and Century.

The final two qualifying spots available were taken by amateurs Peter Kozubal of Bridgewater, N.J., and Brinson Paolini of Bridgewater, N.J., both of whom turned in 1-over par 71s.

Five players competed in a playoff for the two alternate positions. Amateur Chad Bell of Fresno, Calif., made an eagle two on the par-4 1st hole to take the first alternate spot. The second was won by Luke Graboyes, an amateur from Watchung, N.J.

Today was one of four U.S. Open Local Qualifying Rounds conducted by the MGA. Morris County Golf Club’s rolling hills provided a great test for today’s competitors, and the course played to a par of 36-34-70 at 6,522 yards.

The MGA is providing complete coverage of all four local rounds on www.mgagolf.org, as well as live updates via Twitter (@MGA1897).