ELMSFORD, N.Y.-Ten Met Area golfers advanced to the sectional qualifying stage for the 2003 U.S. Open during local qualifying held Monday, May 12th at Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford, NY.

Leading the way was amateur and St. John’s University standout Andrew Svoboda of Winged Foot GC. The 2002 Westchester Amateur champion and former MGA Junior champion fired a three-under par 68 (34 - 34 = 68) to lead a group of ten qualifiers from a field of 150. Svoboda was one-shot better than Anthony Casalino, and two shots better than Michael Downey of the GC of Purchase, Jim Wahl of Whippoorwill,and Brian Lamberti of Branton Woods, who each carded a one-under 70.

Today’s event was the second of three local U.S. Open local qualifying rounds conducted by The Metropolitan Golf Association.  The event is open to both professional and amateur golfers with a handicap index of 1.4 or better.  Today’s qualifiers advance to the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying round scheduled for Tuesday, June 3rd at Century CC and Old Oaks CC in Purchase, NY.  The Sectional qualifying is the final stage before the 103rd U.S. Open next month at Olympia Fields Country Club (North Course) in Olympia Fields, Ill., June 12-15.

Full results can be viewed by clicking here.. For more information contact Ryan McKenna or Gene Westmoreland of the MGA @ (914) 347- GOLF or visit the MGA website at www.mgagolf.org.