Rich Berberian, Jr. to rep NH and Tuscan Brands at US Open PGA Golf Tournament

Tuscan Brands CEO & Chief Food Taster Joe Faro sends off PGA hopeful Rich Berberian, Jr. with well wishes and a custom Tuscan Brands golf bag. For more on the Salem NH restaurant & market that brings the artisan Italian experience stateside, please visit www.tuscanbrands.com.

From WMUR:

WINDHAM, N.H. —Windham Country Club threw a send-off party Thursday night for their assistant golf professional and resident celebrity, Rich Berberian Jr.

The local golf pro not only survived the so-called “golf’s longest day,” he thrived when he shot a 71 and a 69 in the PGA Sectional.

Berberian, 27, of Derry, is headed to the U.S. Open next week, his first major professional golf tournament.

“Everyone’s awesome. Everyone’s super nice to me,” said Berberian.

Berberian is far from an attention-seeker.

“I’m a pretty quiet guy, I guess. I don’t like to be anywhere loud or exciting. I don’t mind being with family or friends,” said Berberian.

Berberian tied for third place at the qualifying sectional in New York Monday, earning a coveted spot at the 115th U.S. Open next week at Chambers Bay near Seattle.

Windham Country Club owner and head golf pro Joanne Flynn is proud of her employee, the reigning New England PGA champion.

“No, absolutely, I’m sure he wants to kill us. We’re throwing him into a whole new world. But it’s good. It’s great. It’s fantastic to help someone who is so modest. He’s very genuine,” said Flynn.

“We’re thrilled. I mean, we couldn’t be more excited,” said Flynn.

Berberian leaves for the open Sunday morning, and he’s bringing his trusty caddy, Chris Ruggerio, with him.

“He’s a great guy -- just awesome. He deserves this, he really does,” said Ruggiero.

Despite his quiet demeanor, Berberian still has a competitive edge.

The U.S. Open will kick off Thursday in University Place, Washington.