While the LPGA players are battling it out at the Upper Montclair CC, local players are seeking qualifying berths in the U.S.
Open at Bethpage and Met area players are at LaTourette practicing for the New York City Amateur championship next weekend. While qualifying is still taking place for the U.S. Open at several sites, at least one former Islander has made the first step. Frank Esposito Jr., well-known on Staten Island, as is the entire Esposito family for its success in local competitions, qualified in second place at Essex County C.C. with a score of 2-under-par 69. Frank also is a former Staten Island Amateur champion (1985) and has done well in many Met area events. Esposito earned a spot in the sectional qualifying test at Old Oaks on June 8. Another who is well known in Staten Island golf circles is Mike Stamberger, a two-time winner of the NYC Amateur at LaTourette. Stamberger also qualified at Essex County with a 72 and tied for fourth place and will be looking forward to getting by the sectional round and moving to the Open at Bethpage on June 18-21. There are still a few locals who are set to try tomorrow at Haworth (N.J.) CC in Haworth N.J., including Mike Marotta, Mike Pszczola and Joseph Levatino. Jim Albus, Staten Island’s voice on the Champions Tour, will be in action again this week in the Regions Charity Classic in Hoover, Ala. Albus is semi-retired and will be playing in a limited number of events this year.
GOLF WRITERS