FARMINGDALE, N.Y. (June 14, 2016) – Qualifying for the 69th MGA Public Links Championship concluded today at Bethpage State Park Golf Course (Blue) in Farmingdale, N.Y. A total of 18 players qualified for the championship, which will be played at Spook Rock Golf Course in Suffern, N.Y., on July 7.

Related: Results

Five players led the field to share medalist honors with scores of even-par 72: Johnson Ko and Max Kern of Bethpage State Park, Ethan DeForest of Rondout, and MGA eClub – New Jersey members Christopher Yeom  and Thomas Lee.

William Sovak of Darlington and Joe Ferrone of Nassau Players were close behind with rounds of 1-over 73.

Two more competitors out of Bethpage State Park took advantage of local knowledge to qualify, as Christopher O’Keefe and Michael Frizalone each advanced to the 36-hole championship with scores of 2-over 74.

Also qualifying with scores of 2-over 74 were Dave Segot of Nassau Players, Frank Meizoso III of MGA eClub – Long Island, and Matt Pollock of Crab Meadow.

Six players took the remaining qualifying spots with scores of 3-over 75; including Brendan Gutzler of MGA eClub – New Jersey, Merv Smith of Neshanic Valley, Scott Kim of Darlington, Parker Mann of Met Restaurant Golf Club, William Darling of Trump Golf Links Ferry Point, and Patrick Montagnino of Indian Hills.

Bethpage played to a par 72 at 6,640 yards.

Competition for the MGA Public Links is open to male amateur golfers who reside in the MGA territory and do not have playing privileges at a course at which the general public is excluded. Competitors must have a Handicap Index of 8.0 or below. Five qualifying rounds were held throughout the Met Area to complete the field for the championship.