Submitted photo Nate Sandberg, above, and teammate Mitch Faulkner finished fifth in a field of 46 teams at the USGA Amateur 4-ball qualifier earlier this week.

APOLLO — The boys golf coach at Warren Area High School turned in a fine effort at the United States Golf Association Amateur 4-ball qualifier at Willowbrook Country Club on Monday.

Teaming with his former Clarion University teammate Mitch Faulkner, Nate Sandberg came just three shots shy of qualifying for the championship, which will be played in May.

Competing against some of the best amateurs in Pennsylvania, as well as amateurs from Florida, North Carolina and Canada, Sandberg and Faulkner shot a 6-under par, good for fifth place out of 46 teams. For his part, Sandberg collected seven birdies on the day.

The 4-ball is a two-man format where both players play each hole and count the lowest score between them.

“To play in my first USGA qualifier was an awesome feeling,” Sandberg said. “I was certainly nervous seeing those USGA tee markers. This event definitely had a different feeling than my college ones. I’m excited to keep working hard and getting into more in the future.”