Fifty-eight golfers, 36 holes, one day and only two spots.

For the first time in Penn State's history the Blue Course will host sectional qualifying for the men's USGA Amateur Championship.

Penn State's Brendan Borst, Chad Bricker, T.J. Howe, Matt Leon, Jim Markovitz and Robert Rohanna will hit the links along with 52 other golfers hailing from six states and Canada.

Tuesday's top two golfers will advance to play at Pinehurst, North Carolina in August for the 2008 U.S Amateur Championship.

"Tomorrow will be a long day," Penn State Coach Greg Nye said. "Patience is a virtue and with 36 holes, my players will surely need to be patient.

"Robert Rohanna has been playing very well. He always plays a great round on the Blue Course. I think he will lead the group of Penn State players, but T.J. also plays the course very well."

After playing in the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship last week, Rohanna returned on Saturday only to have his Sunday practice cut short.

"I'm trying to catch up on rest and stuff," Rohanna said. "I've been practicing hard, but the rain killed my practice on Sunday. I feel that I do have a bit of an advantage because I played the course for four years, hard, everyday, but I think all of my teammates have the same advantage."

The Penn State golfers understand the significance of hosting the tournament for the first time and feel today's tournament, although a wonderful experience will require a tough mental approach.

"It will be draining, really draining," Leon said.

"I have no caddy, but I'm trying not to think about it. I just want to go out there and try to grind it out. [Today] is supposed to be hot too, so by the 35th hole you'll just want to finish up and get off the course."

Rohanna admits his mental approach won't be much different than any other high stakes golf tournament, but understands the importance of resiliency.

"I realize that 36 holes is a long day and one hole can hurt you, but you have to realize that you can still get it back," Rohanna said.

The players are hoping to use the tournament as a way to measure the improvements they have been working on during the off season.

They know from experience which parts of the course they struggle with and where their strengths lie.

"I've been working on every part of my game," Rohanna said. "I have been focusing the most on putting though. I don't really dislike any part of the course, but I am more comfortable on the back nine and know that the front nine is pretty tough."

Rohanna's teammate, Leon, hopes the improvements he made with his chipping will payoff on the course.

"I just got off of the course and the greens aren't too good right now, it's a little rough," Leon said. "I struggled with my chipping and wedge shots in the fall, so that's what I've been working on the most."

After finishing renovations in 2006 the Blue Course now contains 26 very challenging greenside bunkers just on the front nine. The back nine contains 16 greenside bunkers and also water hazards on the 14th and 18th holes.

Coach Nye, who is in Ohio on a recruiting trip, knows opportunities like this are very special for his players and their home course.

"For everyone to see the improvements we made to the course and to have it recognized as one of the best in Western Pennsylvania is wonderful," Nye said. "For our course to host this tournament is quite satisfying to say the least."