Dec. 6, 2010
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Scott Gordon became the first player in UC Davis men's golf history to earn his PGA Tour card when the former Aggie standout finished in a tie for 27th on Monday after the final round of tour qualifying at Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge.
Gordon, who qualified for the six-round final after two previous stages, shot a 9-under, 420. The top 25 and ties were guaranteed full PGA Tour status but two players already had their cards due to their standing on the Nationwide Tour money list and were competing to improve their position. That extended the cut line to include Gordon and two others who tied for 27th.
Gordon, winner of the 2004 Colby E. "Babe" Slater Award as the top male athlete at UC Davis, played 26 events on the Nationwide Tour in 2008 and will now join many of the world's best golfers on the 2011 PGA Tour. He is one of 17 tour rookies who earned their cards on Monday.
Gordon had scores of 70, 70 and 67 over the first three rounds before finishing with three consecutive rounds of 71, alternating play between the par-71 Panther Lake Course and the par-72 Crooked Cat Course at the tournament site. Tour veteran Billy Mayfair won medalist honors at 18-under. A total of 155 golfers were attempting to earn their prestigous cards.
"It's amazing what he did," said Cy Williams who coached Gordon during his All-America career at UC Davis that concluded in 2004. "He's really worked hard. For him to hold up over six rounds against the best players is impressive. We're very proud of Scott's accomplishment."
Gordon shot a 1-under 71 at Crooked Cat during Monday's last round which was played in 45-degree temperatures with winds at 12 mph. He was three under after nine holes, playing the back two over to finish with a 71. Gordon had an eagle on the par-4 12th at Panther Creek during the fifth round to also help highlight his qualifying.
Gordon, a 1999 graduate of Jesuit High School in Carmichael, was named the university's male Athlete of the Year during his senior season in 2004 after a school-record 71.54 average. He tied a then-school record with a 65 in the final round of The Nelson Invitational and was in the top 10 in four Division I tournaments.
The 2011 PGA Tour begins with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Jan. 6-9.
