U.S. Open First Round
June 14, 2012
Former two-time NCGA Player of the Year Matt Bettencourt
SAN FRANCISCO – The first round of the U.S. Open is half way done, with the morning groups in and the afternoon wave currently out on the course. In the morning former two-time NCGA Player of the Year Matt Bettencourt played in the 7:11 a.m. group off the ninth tee, two groups ahead of the marquee group of Woods, Watson and Mickelson. After an opening hole birdie on the ninth, the Alameda native struggled as he made three bogeys on Olympic’s back nine, holes 12, 13 and 18. Things didn’t get any better after that as he bogeyed holes two, three, four and six to finish his first 18 holes with a 6-over 76.
Another former NCGA Player of the Year Spencer Levin teed off at 2:35 p.m. off of the first hole. The Elk Grove resident is paired with Brian Harman of Sea Island, Ga. and Mikko Illonen of Finland. With the current pace of today’s play Levin will likely finish his round about 7:45 p.m. Another player with local ties is Nationwide Tour player James Hahn an Alameda resident. Hahn earned medalist honors at the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifier held at Lake Merced GC and TPC Harding Park. He was very excited to be playing in his first U.S. Open, especially with it being practically in his backyard. “It’s going to be special,” said Hahn. “Of all the U.S. Open courses, I know the Olympic Club better than any of the other ones.” Hahn teed off of No. nine tee at 2:31 p.m. and is paired with Darron Stiles of Pinehurst, N.C. and Roberto Castro of Atlanta.
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