Area duo finding top level daunting

Area duo finding top level daunting

Dan Russo and Ron Philo Jr. have played on some of golf's biggest stages before, but both came away from the U.S. Senior Open on Friday with a new appreciation for how skilled the professional players are.

Russo, an amateur who owns Upstate Utilities & Consultants, Inc., in Amsterdam, and Philo, a former Scotia resident who is director of golf at Stowe (Vt.) Mountain Resort, both will miss the Senior Open cut, although that won't become official until Saturday.

Play at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Mass., was suspended at 6:41 p.m. Friday because of storms with 24 players, including Russo, still on the course.

Philo, 51, who has participated in eight major championships on the regular tour, shot a 3-over 73 Friday and is tied for 118th at 9-over 149.

Russo, 59, a 2009 Senior Open participant, was tied for 149th at 18 over par.

The unofficial leader in Capital Region major amateur championships won, Russo couldn't get untracked either day.

Making his Senior Open debut, Philo started strong Friday, stringing seven pars and adding a birdie on No. 8.

Kenny Perry shot a 6-under 64 on Friday for a share of the U.S. Senior Open lead with Kirk Triplett at a record 11 under through two rounds at Salem Country Club.