Three local players qualified for the 2008 Melwood by finishing in the top three at the Mitchellville course on May 8. They are David Newsom of Leesburg, Phil Bowers of Woodbridge and Jon Corliss of Virginia Beach. The three players tied for first with rounds of 73.
O’Neal, a regular on the Nationwide Tour, has only competed in one event this year, the Fort Smith Classic, in which he tied for 60th.
Tim O'Neal / Photo: Jack Martin
Last year, O’Neal didn’t crack the top-10 in any tournament for the first time in his career, but did manage to capture three top-25 finishes.
County officials say there are still 14 more openings for the 2008 Melwood and they will be determined this week at two different courses. Seven spots are in play at both Little Bennett and Laurel Hill. Melwood is using two courses because they are expecting more than 144 competitors.
During the tournament, more than 150 professional golfers will compete for a $650,000 purse with the champion collecting $117,000.
The open also benefits Melwood and the Melwood Horticultural Training Center, a nonprofit serving more than 2,100 people with disabilities through job training, employment, housing and recreation throughout the region.
For information on tickets, corporate sponsorship and hospitality opportunities, Tickets Fore Charity program, schedule of activities, parking and more, please contact the tournament office at (301) 599-2732, or point your Web browser to melwoodgolf.org.
--PGS Staff
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