Qualifying for 103rd Open Championship Closes at Cherry Valley
SKILLMAN, N.J. - The final qualifier for the 103rd New Jersey Open Championship presented by Donnelly Industries concluded on Thursday, June 29 at Cherry Valley Country Club. Colin Summers led the field with a 7-under par 65 en route to medalist honors.
“My ball striking was really good today,” Summers recalled. “I only missed one green, and that was my only bogey of the day. Then I just took care of the par fives and snuck a couple more birdies in - a good one on 18, which was 20-footer, so that was good.”
Coming off a fourth place finish in the MGA IKE, Summers’ game is hitting its stride.
“My game is in a good spot,” said Summers. “I just have to keep on hitting the fades off the tee and keeping it in play. Going to the fat side of the green on approach shots and hope the putter gets hot.”
Bedell, 25, will be competing in his first NJSGA major championship since 2019 after turning in a 6-under par 66 at Cherry Valley.
“It feels really good to be back in the mix, said Bedell. “I've kind of been bouncing around a lot so I've missed the NJSGA events. You guys do a great job running tournaments, so I was excited to be able to sign up for a couple of qualifiers this summer.”
Bedell carded five birdies and an eagle on his stellar round.
“To come out here today and play really, really good golf, I putted great - feels good,” Bedell recalled. “I'm excited to go up and play Hackensack and looking forward to the rest of the summer.”
Stephen Walsh of Baltusrol Golf Club finished right behind Bedell, turning in a 5-under par 67. Competing in NJSGA events for the first time in his career, Walsh has had an impressive showing in qualifiers in 2023.
“It's been great,” Walsh expressed. “My first year playing in them, you have to qualify for everything, so that's a challenge because the qualifiers are hard, but my game has been decent this year. I hit it decent today and putted it well and got off to a fast start.”
Walsh has now qualified each championship he’s attempted -- the Four-Ball, Amateur and Open in 2023.
Overall, 18 players from Cherry Valley advanced to the championship proper at Hackensack Golf Club from July 24-26.
Qualifying Results
Knoll Country Club (West) (6/22)
Preakness Hills Country Club (6/26)
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