When you know the course like the back of your hand, it can make all the difference—just ask Naples golf pro Michael Welch. The lead instructor at Kensington Golf and Country Club turned a local advantage into a stellar performance at the U.S. Open local qualifier held Monday, May 11, at Vineyards Country Club. Welch carded a remarkable 6-under par 66 to claim medalist honors, topping a competitive field of 74 players and securing his spot just one step away from the prestigious U.S. Open next month.
Welch’s round was a masterclass in consistency and resilience. After his only bogey of the day on the eighth hole, he didn’t let it rattle him. Instead, he stormed back with five birdies on the back nine, finishing with a total of seven birdies across the 6,955-yard, par-72 layout. “I thought I played nicely today. You can’t shoot a 66 and not have a lot of clubs working well,” Welch said. “I only missed one or two greens, so I didn’t miss many. I drove the ball pretty well, which set up a lot of iron shots. I also putted well—I made a lot of two-putts on long putts.”
Hot on Welch’s heels were Carter Page and Seth Smith, who tied for second place at 67, just one stroke behind. Page’s round featured a steady 34 on the front nine and an even better 33 on the back, with five birdies overall. “I’m happy to be moving on,” Page said. “I kept the ball in front of me, hit a lot of fairways and greens, and rolled in a lot of putts. The course was generous off the tee, so you had to hit wedges and short irons well. I just tried to stay relaxed and have fun out there. My fiancée caddied for me, so that was fun as well.”
Nicholas Prieto and Oscar Crowe rounded out the top five, with Prieto in fourth and Crowe in fifth. These five players will advance to the final qualifying round at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens on Monday, June 8. Ty Patterson and Nolan Harper earned the first and second alternate spots, respectively. Harper, who faced a tough playoff, reflected on the experience: “I am a little disappointed to have a three-putt in the playoff, but I loved competing against these guys. I just wish it would’ve ended differently.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher for these golfers as they chase a dream. The U.S. Open itself is set for June 18-21 at the historic Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York—a course known for its challenging links-style layout and rich golfing tradition. For these local competitors, the journey from Naples to the national stage is just beginning, and with performances like this, they’ve proven they have the talent to keep going.