Local golf notebook: Senior Open qualifier set at Indiana Country Club

The 2024 U.S. Senior Open qualifier at Indiana Country Club had a memorable ending as Indiana native David Smith, a member of the club for 30 years, won the event and advanced to the 44th U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club.

Indiana will against host a qualifying round Wednesday, with seven golfers, plus two alternates, earning spots into a final qualifying event.

The local qualifying round is set to have 38 players in the field.

This is the first year that the Seniors advanced to a final qualifier.

The USGA made a modification that added another stage to qualifying — much like the U.S. Open or U.S Amateur Championships — last June. This means that golfers must qualify through two separate rounds, local and final, to play in the U.S Senior Open.

Now the top qualifiers from the 32 local qualifying sites will advance to one of the 12 final qualifying sites in May or June.

The 45th U.S. Senior Open will be contested June 26-29 at The Broadmoor Golf Club in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Smith will be joined by 2024 WPGA competition winners Arnold Cutrell and Paul Bangor, as well as 2024 Palmer Cup participant Scott Kemmler.

Other local golfers in the field include John Aber, Erik Bertrand, Brian Cooper and Tim Bowers.

Willowbrook CC hosting qualifiers

Hannastown Golf Club members Vince Zachetti and Joe Cordaro are among the field of 14 at Willowbrook Country Club who will attempt to qualify Thursday for the fifth Pennsylvania Senior Open Championship.

The course is one of three qualifiers, joining The 1912 Club (East) and Lebanon Country Club (Central).

The championship is May 12-13 at Gulph Mills Colf Club.

The top six and ties advance to the championship.

The 18-hole qualifier is open to any male amateur 50 years of age and older who is a PAGA member or professionals 50 years of age and older residing in Pennsylvania.

Amateurs need to have a USGA Handicap Index of 7.4 or lower.