Kilduff, Lange lead Open Championship qualifiers

  Kilduff, of Huntsville GC, blistered the back nine of the Cricket Club’s Militia Hill Course (7,146 yards, par 72) for a 4-under-par 32 to card a 2-under-par 70 in the morning. In the afternoon, he shot a 1-over 72 at the club’s Wissahickon Course (6,836 yards, par 71).

  Lange, of Overbrook GC, struggled somewhat in the morning, posting a 2-over-par 74 at Militia Hill. But he came back with a flourish in the afternoon, shooting a 3-under 68 at the Wissahickon Course.

  They were followed on the Open qualifier leader board by John Pelet of Wyncote GC (143), and Geoff Forcino of Waynesborough CC (144) and Oscar Mestra, Jr., of Overbrook GC (144).

  There were 10 spots available for the 46 players attempting to qualify for the Open, scheduled for July 21 at Philadelphia CC. The Open was won last year by Brian Kelly of Bucknell GC.

  Four amateurs were exempt from Open qualifying: Michael McDermott of Llanarch CC, last year’s Amateur Player of the Year; Mike Tash of Tavistock CC, last year’s Amateur Champion; Chris Gallagher of Penn Oaks GC, last year’s Patterson Cup winner, and Brian Gillespie of St. Davids GC, who finished third, behind McDermott and Tash, in Player of the Year standings.

  This year’s Amateur Champion, to be determined on Saturday, June 19, will also be exempt from qualifying for the Open.