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Karlsson Withdraws; Svoboda Makes Open Field Again As Alternate

The 29-year-old from Larchmont, N.Y., accepted the spot in the field when Robert Karlsson of Sweden informed USGA officials he was withdrawing due to an eye infection.

Svoboda, the first alternate from the June 8 sectional qualifier at Old Oaks and Century Country Clubs in Purchase, N.Y., won’t have a long trip from his home in Westchester County to Bethpage State Park’s Black Course on Long Island.

A year ago, members at Old Oaks, where he worked as a caddie, helped fund Svoboda’s trip to Torrey Pines in San Diego. As the first alternate from the Purchase sectional qualifier at Old Oaks, Svoboda’s chances to play in the 2008 U.S. Open appeared slim. But a few hours before Svoboda was to pack up his clubs and return to New York, Brett Wetterich withdrew due to a wrist injury.

Svoboda made the most of the opportunity by making the 36-hole cut and cashing a check for $15,189 (T-71).

This year, Svoboda should feel quite at home. Not only is he playing in Metropolitan New York, but he also claimed the 2007 New York State Open on the Black Course.

A former standout at St. John’s University, Svoboda advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2004 U.S. Amateur at Winged Foot, where his father has been a longtime member. He also qualified for the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot but missed the cut.

This will be his ninth USGA championship appearance, having qualified for two U.S. Junior Amateurs, four U.S. Amateurs and now three U.S. Opens.

In 2009, he has made four cuts on the NGA Hooters Tour and tied for 14th at the Nationwide Tour’s Rex Hospital Open last month.

Story compiled by USGA staff writer David Shefter.

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