PENN TWP — It was Rob McClellan — followed by a cluster of others.

The Butler Country Club professional carded a 3-under-par 67 to win the U.S. Open local qualifier Wednesday on his home course. Eight golfers tied for second with 71.

The tie resulted in a massive playoff as only the top four in the 78-golfer field advance to 36-hole U.S. Open sectional play June 5.

“We've never had this many players involved in a tie like this before at one of our local qualifying events ... and I've done about 40 of these over the years,” said Jeff Rivard, director of special events for the Western Pa. Golf Association.

Making it through the playoff were Patrick Luth of Medina, Ohio, Thaddeus Obecny II of Wheeling, W.Va., and Erik Bertrand of Pittsburgh.

Falling short were Jason Li, Danny Yustin, Brady Pevarnik, Elliott Whitley and Daniel Obremski.

But this day was all about McClellan, who scored an eagle on the 330-yard No. 8 hole and reached 4-under-par when he birdied No. 14.

“Take par on this course anytime,” McClellan said. “Usually, only one player shoots under par in the qualifier here.

“Because of that, you don't need to attack the course. You have to play consistent golf.”

McClellan scored his eagle by chipping in from 94 yards out with a lob wedge.

His lowest score ever at Butler Country Club from the blue tees is 63.

“I just had a good, steady round today,” McClellan said.

While there are 10 U.S. Open sectional tournaments throughout the country, McClellan said he will play the one at Jupiter Hills, Fla. A fellow BCC member also belongs to that club and has taken McClellan to play there a few times.

Not only does he know the course, but “I have a house about 25 minutes from there, so that helps,” McClellan said.

A number of other Butler County golfers played in Wednesday's qualifier, but none contended.

Brent Rodgers of Cranberry Township shot a 79, Danny Gleeson of Mars an 80, Jimmy Ellis and John Brough Jr. of Butler an 81, Zack McQueen of Freeport an 84 and Jake Smithco of Cranberry Township an 85.

Rodgers played in his third career U.S. Open qualifier. He shot a 76 at BCC in last year's qualifier.

“This is a beautiful day and the course was gettable — I just couldn't make anything happen,” Rodgers said.

Gleeson, 21, is originally from Tennessee and has been living in Mars for a year. He played in his first Open qualifier at age 16.

“Try to shoot somewhere in the 60s. That was my goal. That's usually what it takes to move on,” he said.

Ellis and Brough are both returning to tourney competition while recovering from physical ailments. Ellis has been undergoing therapy for an eye problem “that has made it difficult for me to zone in” and Brough suffered a hip flexor in mid-March.

McQueen, 25, a former Freeport High School golfer, is now a member at Pittsburgh National, but had not played competitive tournament golf in four years.

He played college golf at Pitt-Johnstown.

“This weather was insane, so good, but it was different playing in a tournament like this after so long. It's a different level,” McQueen said.

Smithco was part of a state championship team at Central Catholic last fall. He carded a 76 at BCC in last year's Open qualifier.

“I just didn't play well today,” he said. “I missed too many fairways and put myself in bad spots.”