Second-Round Results

ELMSFORD, N.Y. (August 26, 2009) – Playing in his first Met Open as a professional,Andrew Giuliani of Trump National-Westchester shot a second-round 71 for a two-round total of 3-under 139, giving him a one-stroke lead entering the final round of the 94th Met Open Championship at Ridgewood Country Club. Giuliani is one shot clear of the first-round leader, amateur Sam Bernstein of Century Country Club, who shot a 73 today, and Brett Jones of Trump National-Bedminster, who will be in the final pairing tomorrow after a second consecutive 70. The Met Open is sponsored by MetLife, and the professionals in the field are playing for a first prize of $27,500 out of a total purse of $150,000.

From a starting field of 132, 62 players survived the 36-hole cut, which came at 8-over-par 150. Sitting alone in fourth place is 2009 U.S. Open competitor Sean Farren of the Creek Club, who shot a second-round 69 for a one-under-par 141 total. Five other players share fifth place at 142, including former Met Open champions John Stoltz of Concord (2005) and Frank Bensel of Century (2007), who had the round of the day, firing a three-under 68.

“Yesterday I had a couple of doubles and got a couple bad breaks, but today I didn’t really have any bad holes,” said Bensel. “I had a couple big par saves and putted well.” Bensel, who won the Met Open at Meadow Brook in 2007, will be looking to become a two-time champion. 

Two other former Met Open champions are among the five players tied for tenth place at one-over 143: last year’s champion Mark Mielke of Mill River and Andrew Svoboda of Old Oaks (2003). But everyone is chasing Giuliani, the 2005 Ike champion and 2006 MGA Player of the Year, who rolled in a 15-footer on the demanding 18th hole to save par and keep his even-par round intact.

“That was huge,” said Giuliani about his last putt. “Especially after being 185 yards out in the fairway, I was happy to save par there.” Talking about his chances tomorrow, Giuliani added, “I believe I can do this, I really do. I’m happy with the way I’m striking the ball, and I just need to go out there and focus on my game tomorrow.” 

With a number of marquee names in the hunt, the third and final day of the championship is set up for plenty of drama. A total of 27 players are within six shots of the lead. Overnight leader Bernstein, 17, kept his composure after his first-round 67, giving him a good opportunity to become the youngest person to hold the Walker L. Trammell trophy that goes to the Met Open champion. Bernstein led seven amateurs who made the cut.

“It was much tougher today,” said Bernstein, who had a first-round 67. “The tees were back on a few holes and the pins were in more difficult spots. But besides my bogey on 17, I played pretty solid and I’m satisfied with where I am. I just wanted to give myself a chance to win tomorrow, and I did that.”

One of the main story lines of the day was the difficult championship course and the swirling winds. Only six players came in under par today as the course firmed up from the first day and the greens stumped even the best putters in the field. The warm weather and steady breeze eliminated the soft landings, as many approach shots rolled off of the undulating greens.

As difficult as the championship course is playing, the players continue to praise the layout at Ridgewood. Just as the Tour pros last year, these Met Area professionals and amateurs feel privileged to be playing such an outstanding test of golf.