Berganio Struggles to a 74, Singer Shoots 77 in U.S. Open

Area golfers Dave Berganio and Mark Singer foundered Thursday during first-round play in the U.S. Open at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, N.J.

The 24-year-old Berganio, an Alemany High graduate and the 1991 U.S. Public Links champion, shot a four-over-par 74, leaving him eight shots behind co-leaders Craig Parry, Joey Sindelar and Scott Hoch.

Berganio’s round was second-lowest among the three amateur players in the event. Justin Leonard fired a 69 and Ted Oh, a 16-year-old from Torrance High, shot 76.

Singer, a 27-year-old professional and a graduate of Simi Valley High, shot a seven-over 77.

“I hit it terrible,” Singer said.

Singer said he played well during practice rounds earlier in the week, but hit only three greens in regulation Thursday. Singer faced an eight-foot putt for par on the first hole and three-putted for a double-bogey. He also bogeyed the second and third holes.

After today’s round, the field of 156 will be trimmed to the low 60 scorers or all players within 10 shots of the lead. All players making the cut will earn at least $6,224.

Three PGA veterans from the area are still in contention. Corey Pavin shot a two-under 68, followed by Steve Pate at 70. Both are Ventura County products who later played at UCLA. Former Taft High and UCLA standout Duffy Waldorf shot 71.