The Road to Oakmont continues today in Summit, New Jersey

Canoe Brook leader board. (Photo by Lou Monaco)

98 players (59 professional, 39 amateurs) are competing for a coveted six spots (plus two alternates) at a U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying 36-hole event at Canoe Brook County Club (North and South Courses) in Summit, New Jersey.

With the first 18 holes just wrapping up, a trio of Floridians are atop the leaderboard.

Justin Hicks of Wellington, Florida fired a 7-under 65 on Canoe Brook’s South Course to take a one-stroke lead over two state counterparts: Kevin Foley of Jupiter, Florida (6-under 66, South) and Rob Oppenheim of Orlando, Florida (5-under 67 South).

Matthew Dubrowski of Bergenfield, New Jersey is among three tied at 4-under. Dubrowski shot a 68 on the South, while, amateur Brian Carlson of Madison, Connecticut (68 South) and Michael Miller of Brewster, New York shot a 68 on the North course.

Two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen is at even-par 72, after bogeying a short par putt on the South Course’s 18^th hole.

Lee Janzen putting for bogey on Canoe Brook’s 18th Hole South Course (Photo by Lou Monaco)

Afternoon tee times began at 12:30 p.m. with the last twosome of Michael Little (Lansdale, Pennsylvania) and Mick Smith (Summit, Wisconsin) teeing off at 2:18 p.m.

A total of 10 Sectional Qualifying events are being held around the nation today to see who will survive and advance to the 116^th U.S. Open Championship, which will be held for a record ninth time at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania Father’s Day Weekend (June 16-19).

Canoe Brook, which returns to the Sectional Qualifying fold for the next three years starting today, is hosting for the 14^th time since 1980, highlighted by Michelle Wie’s try to qualify for the U.S. Open in 2006.