Marston, Pohle Pace local CPC Qualifiers

Stockbridge —Jimmy Marston and Rick Pohle, two of Berkshire County's most talented club professionals, grabbed two of three qualifying spots into next year's National Club Professional Championship during Northeastern New York PGA Section qualifying at Stockbridge Golf Club.

Marston, Stockbridge's head professional since 2003, took full advantage of his home course knowledge, earning medalist honors and $1,400 with rounds of 67-71.
 
"It was good enough to get it done," said Marston, who also won last year's section qualifier. "The members were out watching. I was expected to play better at my home golf course."

The 38-year-old club pro from Woodstock, GA advances to the National CPC for the first time since Valhalla in 2001, where he missed the cut.

He will be joined by Rick Pohle, a staple at Taconic Golf Club for the past 22 years.

Pohle struggled on day one, posting a 2-over 73, but rallied Tuesday with a closing 4-under 67 to earn the third and final spot.

"I love competing," said the 54-year-old Pohle, who qualified for his seventh CPC and earned $700 courtesy of seven birdies on Tuesday. "It's a state of mind. I made a putt on the third and that opened the floodgates."

The CPC no longer includes regional qualifying, enabling Marston and Pohle, along with second place finisher Kevin Hughes, to advance directly to the 2006 National CPC, hosted by Turningstone Resort and Casino, June 22-25, in Verona, NY.

For now, though, it's back to business.

"We have to get ready for the three-day invitational this weekend," joked Marston. "Scoreboards need to be to put up. It's not really a day off."

Wahconah's Paul Daniels (70-71) made consecutive birdies on 14 and 15, but bogeyed his final two holes to fall one shot short of tying Pohle for the final qualifying spot.

Berkshire Hills' Bob Meheran and Wyantenuck's Tom Sullivan finished tied for 6th at 142 to round the Berkshire County contingent who placed in the top 10.