Spirit Hollow Golf Course was a firm test for players in today’s U.S. Junior Amateur Sectional Qualifier. Mix in rain and wind off and on most of the day, the course simply played tough.

Drew Salyers (above left), of Howard, OH, posted an even round 72, that included four birdies on the day to help offset four bogeys, to earn medalist honors. His bogeys came in a four hole stretch on (#6-9). Salyers turned in 39 and was able to shoot 33 (-3) on the back nine.

“I was playing pretty good to start the day,” Salyers said. “Then I got a little off the rails little bit, but started putted well on the back nine. I kept doing what I was doing and got it done. The qualifiers in Ohio didn’t know out for me due to scheduling conflicts. This course looked good to me.”

Sean Curran (above right), of New Lenox, IL, had a fine day as well, shooting 74 (+2) to claim the second and final qualifying spot. Curran who was under par after the opening nine holes (35), however made three bogeys coming in, but his 74 was still good enough.

Overall a total of 14 players were able to break 80 on a tough, challenging day.

Matthew Briggs, of Burlington, and Zach Place, of Roselle, IL, both shot 75 (+3) to finished a shot behind Curran. Briggs won the playoff for first alternate on the third playoff hole with a birdie. Place will be second alternate.

Click here for a recap of scoring