Huntingdon Valley Country Club Kicks Off Open Championship Wednesday

Andrew Mason wanted the chance to play a tournament in his own back yard.

Tomorrow he’ll get that chance when he participates in the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s third major of the year - the 107th Open Championship - at the Huntingdon Valley Country Club, 2295 Country Club Drive.

in Cinnaminson, N.J. last month to earn a spot in the one-day, 36-hole event that kicks off at 7:45 a.m. Mason is part of the first group golfers and will somewhat avoid the hot temperatures later in the afternoon.

“I think I should have a little bit of an edge,” said Mason after his last tournament win. “I love Huntingdon Valley.”

The tournament consists of 72 players made up of 41 amateurs and 31 professionals competing in stroke play. Forty-seven players got in by qualifying at either Radley Run CC or Riverton CC. The remaining 25 earned exemptions based on previous results.

The Huntingdon Valley Country Club is the host for the Association’s third oldest championship for the sixth time, and first since 2003.

Last year’s winner was Brian Kelly of Bucknell GC. Previous winners of the tournament that will be in the field tomorrow include: John Appleget of Wildwood G&CC (2002), Graham Dendler, Trenton CC’s professional (2005), Stu Ingraham of M Golf Driving Range (1994), Brian Kelly of Bucknell GC (2000, 2003), David Quinn of Links GC (2006) and Rich Steinmetz of Spring Ford CC (2009).