GLEN ALLEN -- Three VSGA members were among the six who advanced to U.S. Open sectional qualifying Thursday at a U.S. Open local qualifier at The Federal Club.
Virginia Tech's Mark Lawrence Jr. (pictured), winner of the 2017 VSGA Amateur and semifinalist at the 2017 U.S. Amateur, was one of five players who tied for medalist honors by posting a 4-under 68 on Thursday. Falmouth's Jimmy Delp and Fredericksburg's Nic Weiss joined Lawrence at 68, as did professional Matt Cowgill (a former James Madison University standout) and Liberty University sophomore Alexandre Fuchs.
The other qualifying spot went to professional Cody Proveaux, who is an assistant coach for Virginia Commonwealth University's men's golf team. He posted a 3-under 69 and earned his spot in a playoff with current JMU player Walker Cress, who is the first alternate from the site. The second alternate is John O'Leary, a professional at Trump National Golf Club Washington D.C. in Potomac Falls who last week qualified for the upcoming PGA Championship by finishing in the top 20 at the PGA Professional National Championship. It will be O'Leary's second appearance in the championship. He qualified in 2007 at Southern Hills but missed the cut.
The six advancing players will play in a 36-hole sectional qualifier on either May 20, May 27 or June 3. Ten of the 12 qualifiers are held at various sites in the United States, with one qualifier each being held in Japan and England. Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md., will host its sectional qualifier on June 3.