HAWORTH, N.J. (May 13, 2013) – With seven qualifying positions (plus two alternates) up for grabs at today’s U.S. Open Local Qualifying Round at Haworth Country Club in Haworth, N.J., Michael Labrutto of Cranford, N.J., led the field of 114 players with a competitive course record 6-under 64. Labrutto, who wasn’t even planning on entering the qualifier until his 11-year-old son convinced him to, will play in his fourth U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Round next month. Labrutto carded six birdies and an eagle two on the par-4 16^th hole.

RELATED: Results

Coming in with 1-under 69s in the morning wave were locals Paul Park of Wayne, N.J., who has advanced through local qualifying on three other occasions; Brian Mackey of Chestnut Ridge, N.Y., a professional from White Beeches Golf and Country Club down the road from Haworth; and Sam Kang of Rockaway, N.J., the 2012 NJPGA Assistant Player of the Year.  Mackey, who was on the losing end of a playoff the last time the MGA conducted a Local Qualifier at Haworth four years ago, will play in his first Sectional after seven attempts at qualifying on the local level.

David Schuster of New York, N.Y., was the only player to card a 1-over 71 and advance. With five players coming in at 2-over 72, there was a playoff for the final two spots and alternate positions. Len Siter of Mountainside, N.J., and Domenick Roman of Paramus, N.J., earned their spot in the Sectional field. The first alternate is amateur Anthony Aloi of Plainsboro, N.J., and the second alternate is Andy Buege of Abrams, Wis.

Today was one of four U.S. Open Local Qualifying Rounds conducted by the MGA. Haworth’s course, where water comes into play on many holes, played to 6,591 yards and was an excellent test for the field.