2017 U.S. Senior Open Qualifier

Keppler earns medalist honors at U.S. Senior Open Qualifier

Qualifiers	Score
Stephen Keppler, Marietta, Ga.	67
Gibby Gilbert III, Ooltewah, Tenn.	68
Todd Hendley, Greer, S.C. (a)	69*
Alternates	Score
David Brown, Atlanta, Ga. (a)	69*
Craig Stevens, Marietta, Ga.	69*

*determined in playoff
(a) denotes amateur status

Notes:

With players battling the rain, Stephen Keppler of Marietta prevailed with a 5-under-par 67 at St. Ives Country Club to earn medalist honors and qualify for the 2017 U.S. Senior Open. Keppler was consistent throughout his round with three birdies on both the front nine and back nine for a total of six birdies on the day.

Gibby Gilbert III of Ooltewah, Tenn., posted a 4-under-par 68 to secure the second qualifying spot. Gilbert began his round on hole number 10 and had five birdies in his first nine holes. 

The final qualifying spot was decided in a three man playoff. Three players finished with a 3-under-par 69; Todd Hendley of Greer, S.C., David Brown of Atlanta, Ga., and Craig Stevens of Marietta, Ga.

On the second playoff hole, Stevens made bogey and became the second alternate. On the third playoff hole, Hendley made par to grab the final qualifying spot. Brown made double bogey to claim the first alternate position.

There was a 1 hour and 15 minute delay due to severe weather.
 
This 18-hole U.S. Senior Open Qualifier was conducted by the Georgia State Golf Association on Monday, June 12, at St. Ives Country Club in Johns Creek, Ga. The field competed for three qualifying spots and two alternate positions.
 
St. Ives Country Club played to 6,886 yards and par 72.

U.S. Senior Open Championship
The 38th U.S. Senior Open Championship will be held at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Mass., June 29-July 2. The U.S. Senior Open is one of 13 national championships conducted annually by the United States Golf Association.
 
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