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HOT SPRINGS – For Ricky Touma, the Homestead feels like home, at least when it comes to U.S. Senior Open qualifying.
The PGA professional at Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Md., posted a 1-over 71 Monday at The Omni Homestead Resort’s Cascades Course to claim one of two available spots in the championship proper. It marks the fourth time in the last five years that Touma has qualified for the championship at The Homestead.
The other spot went to 59-year-old professional Tim Conley, who tied for medalist honors by returning a 1-over 71.
Jim Estes, a MAPGA professional from Olney Golf Park in Maryland, will be the first alternate after shooting a 2-over 72. Darrell Kestner, a club professional currently working at Deepdale Golf Club in Manhassett, N.Y., will be the second alternate. He also posted a 72. Kestner, 64, has made two appearances in the U.S. Senior Open.
Buck Brittain (The Virginian GC), Philip Goldberg (Springfield G&CC) and professional Tim Lewis tied for fifth after each returned a 3-over 73.
Touma got off to a difficult start, making bogeys on two of his first four holes. He made his first birdie on the par-3 8th hole. After making the turn at 1 over, he made consecutive birdies on 10 and 11 but hit another rough patch, making bogey on three of his next four holes. He made a crucial birdie on the par-3 18th to end his round and secure his spot in the field.
Conley opened his round with a birdie but made the turn at even par after a bogey on No. 7. After a bogey on 14, he made par on the par-3 15th before making a huge birdie on the par-5 16th hole. A bogey on 17 moved him back to 1 over, but he closed his round with a par to qualify.
The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs will host the U.S. Senior Open from June 28-July 1.