SUMMIT, N.J. (June 5, 2006) – With all the media attention focused on Michelle Wie’s bid for a spot in the U.S. Open the 16-year-old did not disappoint, firing a first-round 68 on the South Course at Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, N.J.  Leaders after the first round include Kevin Stadler, son of 1982 Masters Champion Craig Stadler, who carded a six-under-par 66.  On the South Course, Rob Johnson of Orlando, Fla. and Kent Jones of Albuquerque, N.M. each carded four-under-par 66s.  Former PGA Championship winner Mark Brooks and PGA Tour pro Brett Quigley stand at four-under-par with two others after each shot 68 on the North Course.  Wie’s playing partners, two-time Met Open champion Rick Hartmann of Atlantic Golf Club on Long Island and David Gossett of Scottsdale, Ariz., proved up to the task after each shot a first-round 72.

With spectators at today’s qualifying round numbering in the thousands and a media presence in the hundreds, the U.S. Open SQR has lived up to the hype of recent weeks.  Eighteen players will move on to the U.S. Open Championship out of a field of 153, and with 48 players under par the second round should prove to be very exciting.

Wie will move to the longer and more demanding North Course for her second round, while Stadler, the leader, will play his on the shorter South Course.  Former Long Island resident Len Mattiace, now of Jacksonville, Fla., will also move to the South Course after carding a three-under-par 69 in the first round.

The Metropolitan Golf Association conducts the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying Round.  All qualifiers advance to the U.S. Open Championship at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., scheduled for June 15-18, 2006.  For more information please contact Jeanne McCooey or Bob Nielsen at (914) 548-5727 or visit the MGA website at www.mgagolf.org.