Borunda takes next step toward U.S. Open

The congratulations continue to pour in for Carlo Borunda, especially while he’s at work as a pro at Newport Beach Country Club.

Borunda takes it all in, but remains amazed by the outpouring of support.

“It’s overwhelming,” said Borunda, who qualified for a U.S. Open Section Qualifier in dramatic fashion Wednesday at the Local Qualifier at NBCC. “This is all new to me. I don’t play any tournament golf to speak of.”

Borunda, 35, a Corona del Mar resident, looked like a veteran when he survived a two-hole playoff to move on to the U.S. Open Section Qualifier June 2 at Lake Merced Country Club in Daly City. There he will compete against other local qualifiers, as well as PGA Tour players to be one of four who qualify for the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course, June 9-15.

His two-under-par 69 tied him with three others, but with four spots remaining, the quartet went to a playoff that started on No. 16, a par-four, and known to be the second hardest hole on the course (the par-four No. 5 is considered the toughest).

Each of the four parred the hole. Then on No. 17, Borunda was first to par the par-three hole. He chipped it in from about 20 feet away, near a bunker.

“It was pretty exciting to get it done that way,” Borunda said. “My first reaction was actually relief because it was just so intense to be in that frame of mind.”

Josh Anderson of Murietta and Dan Hornig of San Jacinto also shot for par on No. 17, but Justin Gray of Westminster put up a double bogey and was stuck with alternate status.

Borunda’s 69 is his best on the course at NBCC. He said he’s gotten it about a dozen times, but obviously this was the most special score. Friends helped the day become memorable too.

NBCC General Manager NBCC Perry Dickey watched from close by during the playoff and Borunda’s caddie, John Stuart, also a club member, helped him throughout.

“I was very proud of my play,” said Borunda, who has been working at NBCC for a little over five years. “But, I was also proud of my caddie who was just huge for getting me throughout that day.”

Borunda said he started training for the U.S. Open Local Qualifier six months ago with John Carrido, and also credited him for his 69 round and playoff success.

“That was also huge for keeping up my stamina throughout the day,” Borunda said. “That’s what I’m going to need for the next stage.”

Borunda said he has received help from some of the NBCC members with expenses for his next event at Daly City.

Along with Borunda, there was a handful of local players who competed in the U.S. Open Local Qualifier Wednesday.

Eric Engelbert (Costa Mesa), Scott Lucas (Corona del Mar) and Richard Johnson (Newport Beach) each shot even par.

Corona del Mar High junior Taylor Keddington was one-over 72.

Newport Beach residents Douglas Houg, Eric Woods and Michael Moorhead finished at 80.

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or by e-mail at steve.virgen@latimes.com.