May 21, 2010
University Park, Pa. - Former Nittany Lion golfer Mark Leon (Brampton, Ontario) secured the single local qualifying spot Thursday, to advance to the 2010 U.S. Open sectionals. Leon shot a 1-under par 71, on the par 72, Scotch Valley Country Club in Hollidaysburg, Pa.
Leon's first advancement past the local-qualifying round was no easy task, as he had to battle Mitch Mercer of Wexford in a sudden-death playoff. The pair played shot-for-shot for three holes until Leon sank a birdie to take the tournament and the advancement.
Leon, a member of the Canadian Pro Tour was a three-time Mid-Atlantic Region Team selection and finished his Nittany Lion career with a 73.79 scoring average. He earned All-Big Ten Team honors in 2005 and was a 2004 GCAA All-American.
The 2005 Penn State grad will head to Portland, Ore., for the sectional qualifier on June 7th. More information regarding the U.S. Open setup can be found at www.usopen.com.