One Ticket to Bethpage, Please

By Billy Condon

The hottest ticket in town this summer is not to see the American Idols concert tour or even the Jonas Brothers, but rather one of the remaining qualifying spots to play in the 2009 U.S. Open…and StubHub won’t be able to help. The only chance to punch a ticket to the Black is to earn a spot at one of 13 sectional qualifiers being held nationwide on June 8. Vying for these spots are a cast of characters that ranges from teenagers, college All-Americans, club professionals, pros with multiple Tour victories, and guys who work 9-5 jobs but pack a summer schedule of golf. The exciting thing is that all of these people have an equal chance to qualify…whether your name is Brad Faxon, an eight-time PGA Tour winner or Mike Stamberger, a finance broker in New York City.

Here is a quick breakdown on some of the Met Area amateurs looking to qualify:
• Morgan Hoffmann – Too many accolades to list after a tremendous freshman debut at Oklahoma State (see post below). Qualifying in Columbus, Ohio.
• Michael Quagliano – Qualified for Torrey Pines last year from the Memphis, Tenn. qualifier. Looks to again qualify in the Volunteer State – why mess with a good thing?
• Cameron Wilson – At 16 is the second-youngest competitor to make it to Sectionals and who just finished his junior year of high school. A strong lefty that backs down to no one and thrives in competition.
• Max Buckley – Recently finished his freshman year at SMU. A past Carter Cup champion that did a post-grad year at the Hank Haney International Golf Academy.
• Mike Stamberger – A past Met Amateur champion that advanced to the quarters of the 2008 U.S. Mid-Am.

Top Freshman Honors for Hoffmann

By Billy Condon

Morgan Hoffmann, Oklahoma State’s freshman phenom who now holds the top-ranked spot in the R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings, was recently awarded the Phil Mickelson Award, as the most outstanding freshman in Division I men's golf. Hoffmann, who finished as the medalist in three events, including the Big 12 championship, was also named first-team All-American, All-Big 12 and Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Year. He was also named to the U.S. Palmer Cup team and a semifinalist for the Hogan Award as the top player in college golf. It is an understatement to say that Hoffmann’s freshman campaign as a Cowboy was impressive as he now sets his sights on qualifying for the U.S. Open in Columbus, Ohio.

Photo Credit: Oklahoma State Athletics

Ike Duo Rules School

By Billy Condon


Having witnessed the outstanding golf put on display by Kevin Foley and Morgan Hoffmann on numerous occasions last summer, including their one-two finish at the Ike respectively, it is great to see their continued success each week on the college circuit.

Foley, a Penn State junior, and Hoffmann, a freshman at Oklahoma State had outstanding months of March and have brought their A-games into April as they prepare for conference and NCAA tournaments right around the corner. This past week, Foley finished at a tie for first place at the Boilermaker Invitational with a total score of nine under par. This helped Penn State to second-place finish overall, one shot short of first. This marked the fourth time that Foley finished first in a collegiate event. It should also be noted that fellow Met Area student athlete Chris DeForest, a sophomore at the University of Illinois finished in third place, two strokes behind Foley and helped Illinois capture the team title.

As for the Cowboy's freshman phenom, Hoffmann has recently been named one of ten semifinalists for the Ben Hogan award. The award goes to the top collegiate player among all divisions, taking into account all of their collegiate and amateur achievements in a 12-month period. Hoffmann has won two events this year while at OSU, and was also named the Big 12 Golfer of the Month for March, and made it to the quarterfinals at the U.S Amateur. To be one of ten for the Heisman Trophy of golf is extremely impressive, and he's only a freshman!

It will be exciting to see both Kevin and Morgan, as well as the other Met Area college stars continue to excel throughout the rest of the collegiate season and hopefully their fine play will continue into U.S. Open qualifying.