PENN TWP — There will be 84 golfers looking to keep their U.S. Open dreams alive Thursday at Butler Country Club.

But it won't be easy.

BCC plays host to a U.S. Open local qualifier that day, with the top five in the field advancing to one of 10 U.S. Open sectional qualifiers across the country.

Thursday's qualifier, one of 111 U.S. Open qualifiers in 43 states, is an 18-hole event and is open to spectators. The sectional qualifiers, which all take place June 6, consist of 36 holes in one day.

Local golfers among the field Thursday include Brent Rodgers and Jake Smithco of Cranberry Township, Joe Boros of Saxonburg, Brett Rinker of Slippery Rock, Josh Bartley of Valencia and McClellan.

Also competing will be multiple-time Butler Eagle County Amateur champion Sean Knapp and 13-year-old Skylar Fox of Beaver Falls, a regular player at Olde Stonewall.

The two other local U.S. Open qualifiers are scheduled for Monday at The Club at Nevillewood and May 19 at Scotch Valley Country Club near Hollidaysburg. For a complete story and list of tee times, see Wednesday's Butler Eagle.