Russo Advances After Winning Playoff in USGA U.S. Open Local Qualifier
 
By Mike Dyer
 
VOORHEESVILLE, May 19....Two of the Capital District's all-time best golfers went head-to-head Monday for a spot in the U.S. Open sectional.

In sudden-death, Amsterdam's Dan Russo turned back Scotia native Ron Philo Jr. for the final berth.
Both golfers finished in a 4-way tie with 74s at windy Colonie Golf & Country Club. Only three would advance.
Canadians Billy Houle and Chris Barber already had their spots and now Russo won the last berth with a par-3 on the second hole.

Philo, son of former Scotia-Glenville Golf Range head pro Ron Philo Sr., fired over the green. His approach flew over the green to the fringe on the other side. He had a bogey. Russo tapped in a 3-foot putt for par.

The U.S. Open is slated for June 9-12 in San Diego with more than $7 million in winnings awaiting the golfers. Russo has never gotten this far before.

Medalist Monday was 22-year-old Virginia Wesleyan graduate Brandon Baker. Baker had 5 birdies in his 71.
Philo Jr. and Frank Mellet, head pro at Colonie G&CC, are alternates for the sectionals next week.
Some 58 golfers were entered in the competition.

Tied with 76s was a group that included CC of Troy's David Mooradian; Chad Stoffer of The Edison Club; and 2008 Tri-County Golf Association champ Jim Gifford of The Edison Club.   

Here are Monday's results:
COLONIE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
(Par 72)

Brandon Baker 71; Dan Russo 74; Billy Houle 74; Chris Barber 74. Alternates: Ron Philo Jr. 74; Frank Mellet 75.

Failed to Qualify: David Mooradian 76; Chad Stoffer 76; Jim Gifford 76; Stu Drahota 76; Len Bush 77; Trevor Jaycox 77; Tye Grissom 77; Justin Deitz 78; Steve Vatter 78; John Vaccaro 78; Bryan Bigley 78; Greg Levings 79; Jon-Michael Socaris 80; Jim Cocca 80; Tim Kearney 80; Ryan Prinzo 80; Tom Oppedisano 81;  Jeb Buchanan 81; Joey Fitzsimmons 81; Andrew Marler 83; Glenn Davis 83; John Bogardus 84; Joe Macaluso 84; Scott Daigle 86; Bob Cain 87; Ryan Simpson 88; Ian Kahn 88; Keith Tucker 89.