NARRAGANSETT _ Bobby Leopold was not particularly pleased when he finished play in U.S. Open qualifying Tuesday at Point Judith, but he grew happier as the day went along. The insurance man from Coventry was one of the early starters, went 1-under through 11, but then bogeyed four of his last seven to finish at 74. With only five spots available for the regionals in the 84-player field, a 3-over-par score normally is not good enough to move on. But to Leopold’s surprise, the 74 was more than good enough. In fact, it led the field. With strong winds blowing in off the ocean and with greens in summer-like quick and firm condition, scores were extremely high. Forty-one players did not break 80 on the course played at 6,600-yards. Leopold, a former RIGA Amateur and Mid-Amateur champion, had 10 pars and a bird on the par-4 fourth to stand at 1-under through 11. Bogeys at 12, 14, 15 and 17 left him disappointed by the time he finished, but his total proved enough to move to the regionals in Purchase, N.Y., on June 2. ``We were in the fourth group out,’’ Leopold said. ``When we came in I was surprised no one was 73 or better. ``It was hard out there, but no way did I think 74 would hold up,’’ he added. Six others shot 75 and played off for the final four spots. Those who advanced were amateur Chris Houston of Gilford, N.H., and pros Matt Arvantis of Hookset, N.H., Camiko Smith of Bermuda and Greg Horvath. Manchester. Ct. Ryan Gay of Pittston, Maine, is the first alternate and Rob Corcoran of Melbourne, Fla., is the second alternate. Ed Kirby, the pro at Alpine, had perhaps the wildest day. He began with four birdies in his first five holes and had six birds on the day, the most in the field. But Kirby finished with a 76, in part because the one hole he did not birdie at the start was the par-4 second, where he made a seven. Kirby, who has been one of the dominant players on the New England PGA tour in the last several years, is headed to Benton Harbor, Mich., next week for the 75th National Senior PGA Championship. His long-time competitive buddies, Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade also are in the field. Another former Rhode Island champion, Mike Capone, had a disappointing finishing, going in a ditch and making eight on the 600-yard 18th for a 76.
