Seven Advance to U.S. Open Final Qualifying from Manhattan Woods
James Allen, Juan Carlos Benitez and Caleb Wilson.
WEST NYACK, N.Y. (May 17, 2022) -- On a day that proved tough for most of the field due to harsh winds blowing around Manhattan Woods Golf Club, Juan Carlos Benitez of Puebla, Mexico made the most of his early U.S. Open local qualifying tee time as he fired a 6-under 66 in relatively calm conditions. While Benitez’ run of bogey-free golf was halted on the 16th, he bounced back with a birdie on the last en route to posting a score that wouldn't be caught all day. At day's end, Benitez bested the field by three shots, leading seven players on to U.S. Open Final Qualifying.
“I played really well on the par fives. I made four birdies there,” said Benitez, who competes on PGA TOUR Latinoamerica. “I was trying to hit pretty much the middle of the green and see if I could hole one or two putts.”
Benitez did exactly that, avoiding big numbers and making just one bogey. “I just stayed calm and stuck to my game plan which was trying to find some fairways,” concluded Benitez.
Brent Ito of New Rochelle, N.Y., also produced a fine round as he carded five birdies to finish at 3-under 69. Ito was 4-under through his first nine holes before the wind picked up over his back nine. “I just needed to keep my head in the game and not be upset with one or two bogeys,” said Ito. Two bogeys on his way in didn't stop Ito from safely finishing inside the top seven.
Ito, a former player for the University of Michigan, is eager for the chance to try to qualify for his first U.S. Open. “I want a chance to get there for sure," said Ito. "My game is feeling really good right now so I’m excited.”
Caleb Wilson of Oyster Bay, N.Y., amateur and 2020 MGA Carter Cup champion James Allen of Scarsdale, N.Y., Raoul Menard of Canada, and past MGA Player of the Year David Pastore of Stamford, Conn., who has also been competing on the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica this spring all qualified with rounds of 2-under 70.
A 4-for-1 playoff between those finishing at 1-under 71 took place to determine the final qualifying position. Christian Cavaliere of Katonah, N.Y., secured the spot with a birdie on the third playoff hole, the par-4 ninth.
Following his round, Cavaliere took some time to relax before finding out he'd be in a playoff. “Me and my caddie got P.F. Chang’s. I knew I had a while between when I finished and the final group, so I was just trying to kill time,” said Cavaliere. In regards to his mindset going into the playoff, Cavaliere remarked, “I tried to let the other guys make the mistakes and I hit some really good shots, made some putts, and that’s all I can really ask for."
John Lyras of Sydney, Australia and Chris Wiatr of Juno Beach, Florida claimed the first and second alternate positions, respectively.
The MGA-conducted Final Qualifying for the 122nd U.S Open Championship takes place Monday, June 6 at Century Country Club and Old Oaks Country Club.