SKILLMAN, N.J. (May 13, 2014) –  With six qualifying positions available at the U.S. Open Local Qualifier at The Bedens Brook Club, Brian Gaffney of Darien, Conn., led the field and secured himself a trip to the Sectional Qualifying Round after shooting a 3-under 69. The Head Professional at Quaker Ridge Golf Club carded a double eagle on the 508 yard, par 5 12^th hole to earn him medalist honors. Gaffney has had success at the Sectional Qualifying stage before – in 2012 he advanced through to the U.S. Open at The Olympic Club.

Related: Full Results

Alex Edfort of Somerset, N.J., placed second in today’s qualifier after firing a 2-under par 70. Edfort played on the eGolf Tour earlier this year and this is the first time Edfort has made it through to the Sectional Qualifying Round.

Six players were tied at even par 72, and Bill Britton of Rumson, N.J., amateur Lloyd Jefferson Go of South Orange, N.J., Stephen Shellock of Winter Park, Fla., amateur Christopher Ault of Yardley, P.A., and amateur Kwanwoo Kim of Tenafly, N.J. competed in a playoff for the final four spots. Stu Blasius was not present for the playoff and is the second alternate.

Britton and Kim advanced after making pars on the first playoff hole. The next to qualify was Stephen Shellock after the third playoff hole, and Go earned the final qualifying position. Ault is the first alternate and Stu Blasius is the second alternate.

The Bedens Brook Club played to a par 72 at 6,797 yards with favorable weather today. The course proved a difficult challenge for professionals and amateurs alike. One more Local Qualifying Round will be conducted by the MGA before the MGA holds a Sectional Qualifying Round at Old Oaks and Century Country Clubs on Monday June 2nd, one of ten played throughout the country to determine the final field for the 114^th U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club on June 9 – 15.

 -By Zack Alcorn, MGA Communications Intern