Playoff Settles Monday Qualifying
When all of the cards were turned in during the Monday Qualifier only the first three spots were set. Two playoff holes were needed to determine the USDGC’s final two spots.
Stephen Schroeder, Colin Forehand, and Cody Bradshaw all scored 63 (-2) and were sitting pretty in the clubhouse. Travis Chumley and Lance Brown, however, had to fight for the two remaining spots from a four-man playoff that also included Dustin Perry and Jeff Renner (all scored 64).
The 2016 Monday Qualifiers: from left, Schroeder, Brown, Forehand, Bradshaw, and Chumley
Chumley, Brown Hang Tough After Wobbly Playoff Start
After the first playoff hole (hole 1), it didn’t look so good for Chumley who hit an early tree or for Brown whose low drive left him with a lengthy putt for birdie especially since Perry and Renner looked much better after their drives. However, Perry and Renner missed their birdie putts leaving the door open for Brown who missed his 50-footer for birdie and Chumley, who was off in no man’s land left of the fairway. But all four men moved onto the second playoff hole after Chumley’s sidearm roller approach curled nicely to the basket leading to a par save while Brown saved his 25-footer for par.
Playoff Goes to 2nd Hole
All four players then landed in the island green of Hole 17, including Perry who needed a nice skip from his sidearm to jump over the hay bale barrier. However, Perry could not hit his putt and neither could Renner. Brown then secured his spot with a 28-foot putt while Chumley did the same with his 20-footer.
Chumley’s drive miscue during the first playoff hole likely had him doubting his chances. But after surviving that hole he regained his composure with an excellent sidearm drive on hole 17.
“I feel really confident throwing Hole 17 because I’m a sidearm dominant thrower,” said Chumley, a UNC Charlotte student.
Big Turnout at Monday Qualifying
Though breezy at times, the Rock Hill weather with a high in the low 80’s was hard to beat. And you could see why about 80 players decided to show up.
The nice weather was a welcome change for Stephen Schroeder of Charlotte who tried unsuccessfully to qualify the last two years in wet weather.Schroeder was hoping he’d get off to a nice start after arriving at the course at 6:45 a.m. in order to have plenty of practice time. However his good start did happen until his second attempt at the course when he went three down through the first four holes.
Travis Chumley scored a birdie on hole 17 to earn a spot at the 2016 USDGC.
“I got off to a much better start. It was a big difference,” said Schroeder who has never played in the USDGC before.
Waiting anxiously by the Pro Shop as scores came in, Cody Bradshaw, of Fredericksburg, VA, was hoping his (-2) would hold up. He worked hard for it, with four attempts. His putting is what did the trick for him his last round.
“This round was definitely the putting. I hit four huge putts outside the circle,” said Bradshaw, who will be playing the USDGC for the first time.
Onto the USDGC
Bradshaw, Schroeder, Forehand, Chumley, and Brown will now return to Winthrop on Wednesday for the first round of the USDGC. Stay tuned to usdgc.com and discgolfworldtour.com for more.
Story: Todd Harrell / USDGC.com
