Esposito, Laudien and Gage Punch Tickets To U.S. Senior Open
EASTCHESTER, N.Y. (June 9, 2021) -- Frank Esposito of Florham Park, New Jersey holed out for eagle on his 17th hole of the day and finished his round -1 to qualify for the U.S. Senior Open. Esposito was one of three qualifiers from Leewood Golf Club in Eastchester, NY as Michael Laudien (Stony Point, New York) and Bobby Gage (Boynton Beach, Florida) each shot even. Esposito and Gage qualified for the third time, while Laudien will make his U.S. Senior Open debut.
Charles Blanchard of Warwick, Rhode Island and Rob Labritz (Pound Ridge, New York) claimed the alternate positions. Blanchard was as low as -3 on his round, and managed to grind out a one-over, 71. Labritz battled with Bobby Heins of White Plains, New York in a playoff for the second alternate and wound up securing the spot on the second playoff hole.
Esposito earned medalist honors as the only golfer to finish the day under par. He started his round on the back and was three over after two. Esposito finished his first nine at +4 but fired a 30 on the front side to roar into the lead for good.
Harris Podvey from West Caldwell, New Jersey shot a 73 to finish with low amateur honors. In total, three players finished under par in the field of over 130.
Esposito, Gage and Laudien will now head to Omaha Country Club for the playing of the 41st U.S. Senior Open. The Championship will be held between July 8-11th in Omaha, Nebraska.