Carlson Earns Medalist Honors At Wee Burn
Darien, Conn. (May 2, 2022) – Brian Carlson of Madison, Conn., was the lone golfer to shoot under-par in Monday’s U.S. Open Local Qualifying Round at Wee Burn Country Club. A key birdie on the fourth hole, coupled with eight pars on the back nine, led to Carlson’s round of the day, which secured him medalist honors with a 4-under, 68.
Related: Results | Pictures | U.S. Open Local Qualifying
“I made a bogey on the third hole and was able to immediately follow it with a birdie on the fourth,” said Carlson. “I think that was the biggest shot in my round, just took a smooth swing and hit one to eight feet.”
Carlson settled down after that, aiming for the center of the green and taking what the course gave him. On a day when Wee Burn wouldn’t relinquish much, he still found a few birdies on the tough track.
“I wanted to play smart and keep everything in front of me,” he said. “With the conditions how they were, I knew around even par would probably make it in. I didn’t look at my score much but I always knew I was playing well.”
Carlson went out late in the day when conditions softened slightly. The morning wave was hampered by wind and rain throughout their rounds. Still, three golfers: Jackson Fretty of Cos Cob, Conn.; Kent St. Charles of West Harrison, N.Y.; and Anthony Guerrera of Watertown, Conn., came into the clubhouse at 1-over after the morning rounds concluded. Those three, along with Benjamin James of Watertown, Conn., automatically qualified at 1-over, 73.
“The conditions were incredibly tough in the morning,” said St. Charles. “I honestly didn’t strike the ball that well, but I was able to hang in with my short game and post a solid number.”
With seven players finishing their rounds at 2-over, a playoff was needed to determine the final four qualifiers and two alternate positions. The playoff was held on the first hole, a dog-leg left, medium length par four. Thomas Mccarthy, Kyle Baehler, 2021 Ike Champion Matthew Fields and Thomas Withee all made par, which was good enough to secure the four automatic slots into Final Qualifying.
Danny Balin, Harry Bonomo and Bradley Sawka battled for the two alternate positions, with Balin securing first alternate and Sawka grabbing the second and final alternate spot.
Final Qualifying in the Met Area will be held on Monday, June 6th at Century Country Club and Old Oaks Country Club.