Also advancing from the local qualifier at Woodcrest Country Club in Cherry Hill were David Sanders (68), a junior at Lenape High School; David Quinn (70), director of golf at the Links Golf Club in Marlton, N.J.; Dick Smith Jr. (72), head pro at Woodcrest Country Club; and Robert Hornibrook (73), an assistant pro in Burlington, N.J., who made it after a two-man playoff for the final spot against amateur Logan Terry of Plymouth Meeting.

"I came down here with zero expectations," said Pillar, who is also director of golf at Woodloch Springs, north of Scranton. "Honestly, I haven't played much so far this year, and the few times I did get out it was not what I would call successful."

Pillar, 40, who has advanced out of the local qualifier six times, is headed to Old Oaks Country Club and Century Country Club in Purchase, N.Y., for sectionals, which will be staged between May 26 and June 2.

Pillar made it to the Open once, in 1997 at Congressional Country Club, where he missed the cut but came away with memories of a lifetime. "That seems like 100 years ago, but it was a phenomenal experience," he said.

Quinn, 42, who is headed to sectionals for the eighth time, and Smith, 39, who has advanced for the second time, are also headed to Purchase for sectionals. Sanders, 17, chose the Members Club at Four Streams in Beallsville, Md., as his sectional site, as did Hornibrook, 25, who is advancing for the first time.

For Quinn, yesterday's round was a special accomplishment, considering that he pinched a nerve in his neck last week and was unable to swing a club until yesterday.

"It was the best I could've done," said Quinn. "I punched it around and got it in play. I've had a hurt neck for years and years and years, so I've played with this before."

A second local qualifier for the Open will be held Monday at White Manor Country Club in Malvern.

The Results

Qualifiers

John Pillar, Hawley. . . 32-35–67

a-David Sanders, Mount Laurel. . . 32-36–68

Dave Quinn, Marlton. . . 33-37–70

Dick Smith Jr., Cherry Hill. . . 35-37–72

Robert Hornibrook, Swedesboro. . . 36-37–73

Other Scores

a-Logan Terry, Plymouth Meeting. . . 36-37–73

a-Dave Taraschi, Haddonfield. . . 36-38–74

a-Anthony Martire, Absecon. . . 39-37–76

Brian Hollins, Riverside. . . 34-42–76

Cavan Birmingham, Maple Shade. . . 38-38–76

Chris Krueger, Palm Beach Gardens. . . 38-38–76

John Appleget, Dorothy, N.J.. . . 36-40–76

Mark Anderson, Media. . . 38-38–76

a-Rich Thon, Swarthmore. . . 37-39–76

Rick Hughart, Haddonfield. . . 37-39–76

Ryan McCarty, Voorhees. . . 37-39–76

a-Andy Watters, King of Prussia. . . 38-39–77

a-Eric Williams, Honesdale. . . 36-41–77

George Frake, Medford. . . 40-37–77

Justin Riegel, Wilmington. . . 37-40–77

Kevin Melrath, Horsham. . . 37-40–77

Mark Leon, Brampton, Ontario. . . 37-40–77

a-Phillip Villari, Riverton. . . 38-39–77

a-Adam Cohan, Savannah, Ga.. . . 39-39–78

a-Eric Lefante, Colts Neck, N.J.. . . 40-38–78

Evan Belcher, Kingston, Mass.. . . 38-41–79

James Gardas, Hawley. . . 36-43–79

a-Ken Matt, Springhouse. . . 37-42–79

Paul Clemente, Freehold. . . 39-40–79

Steve Scott, Egg Harbor Twp.. . . 38-41–79

a-amateur.