June 15, 2001

BETHESDA, Md. - Phillip Fenstermaker made his Maryland State Amateur debut an impressive one yesterday, shooting 1-under-par 71 in his debut round at Congressional Country Club.

It was enough to win the qualifying medal for the 80th annual event, leading a field of 120 players seeking the 31 available places in the match-play draw. Defending champion Pat Tallent received an automatic spot.

Four were at 72, including nine-time champion Marty West III and Loyola College senior Jason Cage, followed by five at 73, including Chuck Freedman of Hobbit's Glen GC and Rick Sovero of Rolling Road GC.

There was a playoff at 76, with 13 going for eight places. Among those making it were Bob Kaestner of Baltimore CC, who chipped in at the first hole for birdie after falling into the tie by going 5 and 7 against pars of 4 and 3 on the last two holes.

Fenstermaker, a University of Maryland senior, is relatively new to the area, having followed his family after going to high school and one year of junior college in Texas. He lives in Rockville and plays out of Needwood GC.

His round included a birdie and two bogeys on the front nine and three birdies and a bogey on the back side of the 7,130-yard, 36-36 - 72 course. Included were birdies at the two par-5s on the back nine.