Britton, Esposito Qualify For U.S. Senior Open

By Greg Mattura, The Record

Frank Esposito drove it straight and long, and fellow New Jerseyan Bill Britton putted it long and straight.

Esposito's driving and Britton's putting earned them return trips to the U.S. Senior Open Championship via Wednesday's sectional qualifier at Upper Montclair.

Esposito and Britton are among a quartet of golf pros from the metropolitan area who shot 4-under 68 to share medalist honors and secure the four bids to the U.S. Senior Open in August at Columbus, Ohio.

"It's awesome. It's a great relief when you're waiting around and then you get the [qualifier's] packet," said Esposito, 53, an Old Bridge resident who works at Forsgate and qualified for the second time in three years. "I'm excited and it should be fun."

"I'm thrilled," said Britton, 60, a Rumson resident who works at Trump Colts Neck and will make his third appearance. "I thought there was a good chance we might be playing off, so it's nice to not have to do that."

Starting off the afternoon wave, Esposito was the first to shoot 68. He was followed by Connecticut's Andrew Inman and Mike Gilmore, with Britton securing the final 68 via yet another lengthy putt.

Esposito had six birdies and two bogeys, and got hot on his back nine with four consecutive birdies. He hit it well enough to set up an 8-foot birdie putt on the 10th and a 10-footer on the 11th. He only needed 3-foot putts for birdie on the 12th and 13th.

Esposito, a two-time New Jersey Open titlist, spent last season on the Champions Tour.

"It was a great experience," said Esposito. "I wish I played better. It took a little time to get used to it: get used to the travel, get used to playing under those conditions. But I got used to it and it helps, because you learn how to play all over again."

Britton set the tone for a scalding putter by sinking a 60-footer for birdie on the par-4 first hole. He made a 20-footer for par on the par-4 second. He made another 20-footer for birdie on the par-4 16th and closed with yet another 20-footer for birdie on the par-5 18th.

"I putted really good," said Britton, who played the back nine at 4-under 32. "I didn't hit the ball very good, but I made virtually every putt. Every putt inside 10 feet, I made."

Mark McCormick of Middletown tied for sixth with 71 and lost in a four-way playoff for second alternate. Fellow Garden State club pros Jim McGovern of Oradell, Mark Yannotta of Whippany, David Glenz of Hamburg and John Appleget of Dorothy shot 72 and tied for 13th in a finishing field of 129.