The local qualifier for the U.S. Open was postponed because of poor weather, forcing the United States Golf Association to reschedule the 18-hole tournament for today and perhaps even force a change in site.

The qualifier, scheduled yesterday for Tom's Run at Chestnut Ridge in Blairsville, could be moved to another location, perhaps Indiana Country Club, if the course hasn't sufficiently dried after three consecutive days of rain.

"We will try to play it, even if we have to move it down the road," said Jeff Rivard, executive director of the West Penn Golf Association that runs the qualifier for the USGA.

The problem is that several holes at Tom's Run, particularly Nos. 2, 3 and 4, are in low-lying areas where it is difficult for the water to drain. If the event is moved, that might be disconcerting news to Marquette junior Mike Van Sickle, an amateur from Pine-Richland High School.

Van Sickle, who is among the 32 players vying for two spots into the 36-hole sectional qualifier, shot a course-record 60 at Tom's Run in the final round to win the Tri-State Amateur last year.

Van Sickle will be joined in the field by former U.S. Mid-Amateur champ Nathan Smith, Penn State senior Robert Rohanna, former PGA Tour player Bob Friend, Oakmont pro Bob Ford and Totteridge assistant Ryan Sikora.

Another local qualifier, featuring a field of 53 players vying for four spots, will be Thursday at Quicksilver Golf Club in Midway. Among those competing are professionals John Aber of Allegheny CC, Joe Boros of Treesdale and former amateur Rick Stimmel, who qualified for the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach.