Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Last but not least for Williamson

THE 156th and final man to qualify for the Open did it in fairytale fashion.

American Jay Williamson, who normally plays on the second-tier Nationwide Tour in the United States, earned his spot on Sunday after a three-way play-off in the PGA Tour event, the John Deere Classic.

The one-time Trinity College golfer was on the links course at Royal Birkdale at 4.10pm on Monday, just 17 hours after he lost the play-off.

The final qualifying spot, which goes to the highest finisher not previously qualified for the Open, was turned down by winner Kenny Perry. The offer was then extended to the runner-up, but Williamson and Brad Adamonis were tied for second.

Royal and Ancient officials had decreed in the event of a tie, the low fourth-round score would earn the exemption and that went to Williamson, who shot 69 to Adamonis’s 70.

While the spotlight has fallen on Perry, the in-form golfer in America, for turning down the chance to play, Williamson is still pinching himself he is in the field.

He said: “I think I would regret not playing for the rest of my life. I don’t know how many chances you get to go to the Open. I understand why Kenny didn’t go, but I’ve never experienced this. I achieved the opportunity and it’s giving me goose bumps.

Article Source: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/738250?UserKey=

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