AuburnTigers.com
    PGA TOUR Q-School To Feature Six Former Tigers Four of the six are current Auburn residents.
    Auburn Golf

    Auburn Golf

    Nov. 29, 2011

    AUBURN - When the final stage of 2011 PGA TOUR Qualifying School begins on Wednesday, six former Auburn golfers will vie for PGA and Nationwide tour cards, as well as professional exemptions for the 2012 season.

    The final stage, which plays six rounds from Nov. 30 through Dec. 5, will be held at the Stadium and Nicklaus courses of PGA West in La Quinta, Calif.

    Auburn had five former golfers advance from second stage qualifying while Roland Thatcher, who placed 127th on the 2011 PGA TOUR money list, was exempt until this point and will look to better his 2012 PGA TOUR status.

    "Having six golfers playing the final stage of Q-School is a testament to the strong tradition of the Auburn golf program," said Auburn head coach Nick Clinard. "Through the years, all those who have represented Auburn on the golf course have worked hard to make Auburn golf what it is today. The dedication and perseverance these six guys have shown is an inspiration to both our current student-athletes and to junior golfers working hard to take their games to the next level."

    As impressive as it is to see one university send six to the final stage of Q-School, four of these former Tigers have chosen Auburn as the place to continue training.

    "Not only have these four former team members chosen to stay in Auburn after college, several others have as well," said Clinard. "It really shows you what Auburn is all about - the family atmosphere, great courses, great weather. Bottom line, this is just a great area for golf and it's the kind of place you don't want to leave."

    Former Tiger and PGA Tour veteran Jason Dufner has also called Auburn home since graduating in 2000.

    The first three former Tigers to advance came from the Redstone Golf Club qualifier in Humble, Texas. Lee Williams tied for 10th at Redstone after a clutch final round showing. Knowing he had to go low to advance, Williams dropped six birdies in his final nine holes to clear the cut line by two strokes.

     

     

    The final round 66 moved Williams from 29th and into the top 10, sending him to Q-School finals for the first time since 2006.

    Reid Edstrom and Will Claxton hit the cut on the number, each tying for 19th at 5-under as the pair were in the top 20 all week.

    Down at Hombre Golf Club in Panama City Beach, Fla., Glenn Northcutt fired a final round 69 to tie for 19th with Jimmy Brandt who shot a final round 71. The pair tied at 2-over par to earn the trip to La Quinta.

    Northcutt will make his first trip to Q-School finals in just his second attempt. The 2009 graduate took the long road to reach this year's finals, competing in a pre-qualifier before advancing through the first and second stages.

    Competition runs through Monday with 18 holes contested per day. Play will be televised Saturday through Monday on The Golf Channel.

    Auburn Tiger Features

    2012 Fan Guide iOS App: FREE Shop
    Louisville Slugger Shop