Local golfers qualify for State Amateur

Bradenton golfers dominated the local qualifier for the 93rd Florida State Golf Association State Amateur at Sarasota National.

Nicholas Mullhaupt, Chris Kennedy and Namsub Padung took three of the seven qualifying spots from the Sarasota National venue.

Sebring's Rocky Khara, who played his high school golf at Lakewood Ranch, also qualified.

Blake Soni, who finished runner-up in last year's tournament, is one of several exempt players into this year's tourney which makes the state amateur the crown jewel in the Florida amateur scene.

Mullhaupt shot 71, with Kennedy and Padung carding 72s and Khara one shot back of those two for one of the final berths.

Sarasota's Jordan Rizzo earned medalist honors with a 3-under par 69, which was two clear of the field.