newsspin
Richard , Suarez and Smallwood advance to US Open Sectional Qualifier
36
Players had to ‘ go low ’ on Thursday at the Louisiana Local U . S . Open Qualifier in order to advance . Shreveport ’ s Eric Ricard , Ben Suarez from DeRidder , Louisiana , and Stuart Smallwood from Paris , Texas , all fired six-under par 66s at Alexandria ’ s OakWing Golf Club and captured the three qualifying slots allotted to the Louisiana site . All three players will advance to 36-hole Sectional Qualifying with qualifiers from the Sectional sites advancing to the 118th U . S . Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island , New York , June 14-17 .
Grady Brame , Jr ., from Hammond , Louisiana , and Chuck Spears from Pineville , Louisiana , finished one shot behind with fiveunder par 67s . Local golfer Spears made birdie on the third playoff hole to claim the first alternate spot , with Brame , Jr . settling for second alternate .
USGA increases commitment to growing the game through Play9 Program
As part of its ongoing efforts to grow the game within local golf communities , the United States Golf Association ( USGA ) today announced plans to celebrate the fifth year of its successful PLAY9TM program .
Since its debut in 2014 , PLAY9 has focused on encouraging more people to play more golf , more often . The program aims to showcase the nine-hole round as an ideal solution for both avid golfers and newcomers alike to get out and play in a time-friendly and engaging way .
This year , in collaboration with its Allied Golf Association network , the USGA will host and invite local communities to participate in dedicated regional PLAY9 days each month , beginning on May 9 . Golfers can find a golf course in their community that offers a nine-hole rate at usga . org / play9 . The course finder identifies nine-hole facilities as well as 18-hole golf courses that offer a nine-hole rate .
The following LGA Member Clubs will be hosting USGA PLAY9 events on the following dates :
July 26 - Calvert Crossing GC ( Calhoun ) - Member ’ s ABCD 9-Hole Scramble
July 28 - Bayou Oaks at City Park - South Course ( New Orleans ) - Kids Play 9 for Free With a Paying Adult
August 12 - Bayou Oaks at City Park - South Course ( New Orleans ) - 9 and Wine Event
Continue to check the USGA ’ s PLAY9 website for more dates and locations to be a part of playing 9 holes and having fun playing golf throughout Louisiana .
A N t T w R M
r o m M m p t
o T c S c m f