DUPONT - Ephrata duffer John Molitor advanced to the semifinals of the Pacific Northwest Men's Master-40 Amateur Championship.

Molitor, representing The Links at Moses Point, was seated 15th in the championship after two days of qualifying. He advanced to the semifinals along with defending champion Eric Hanson, a former pitcher for the Seattle Mariners.

Molitor defeated the number nine, six and two qualifiers before losing to Harry Ferguson of Invermere, British Columbia on the 17th hole. Ferguson lost the finals on the 18th hole to qualifying medalist Chris Maletis of Oregon.

The Pacific Northwest Men's Master-40 Amateur Championship consists of 36 holes of stroke play qualifying to determine 10 flights for the week's single elimination match play portion of the championship.

The Master-40 is the first PNGA Championship held at the Home Course, the PNGA and Washington State Golf Association recently purchased golf course. It will also be the permanent home of the PNGA, WSGA, allied golf associations, championships of excellence and a showcase for Northwest golf history.