Peters Township golfer qualifies for U.S. Open sectional
Connor Schmidt of Venetia advanced to the final qualifier for the U.S. Open when he finished among the top four at a match held at the Country Club of York.
Schmidt shot a 3-under par 67 to finish third, two strokes off the winning pace set by Mark Kriston from North Carolina and Ryan Siegler from Baltimore, Md. Both shot 65 to tie for first.
“I was happy with how I played,” said Schmidt. “I love the course so I knew if I played a solid round I’d have a good chance to qualify.”
Schmidt now advances to the sectional to be held June 7 at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md.
While that is his preference, Schmidt has a second option. He could compete at the Century Country Club in New York.
“I am excited for the opportunity at sectionals,” Schmidt said. “It should be a fun day.”
The U.S. Open will be held June 17-20 at Torrey Pines.
Prior to earning his spot at sectionals, Schmidt helped the Drexel golf team to its best finish ever in the CAA championships. The Dragons placed second at the three-day event played on the par-72, 6,787-yard Cotton Dike Course at the Dataw Island Club. He finished tied for 25th after firing a 228.
Schmidt is a Peters Township High School product, where he was a three-year letter winner and team MVP. He was the 2015 PIAA Western Regional champion and a KPGA Tournament winner. He helped the Indians win back-to-back WPIAL team titles.
The son of Aimee and Ralph Schmidt is majoring in business analytics.