Play Suspended Due to Darkness at Q-School Qualifying Event
Port St. Lucie, Fla. – The road to the Mackenzie Tour PGA TOUR Canada summer of golf continues with Qualifying events in Florida.
Raleigh, North Carolina’s Carter Jenkins shot a 6-under 66 at PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course on Wednesday to take the lead midway through the second round of Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada Q-School before play was suspended due to darkness at 7:36 p.m.
Jenkins was one of 75 players to complete round one on Wednesday, having only hit two shots on Tuesday before play was suspended due to dangerous weather in the area. The 20-year old completed round one with a 4-under 68, then came back out and reached 10-under with a bogey-free second round 66.
“I only got two shots in yesterday, so I played both rounds today. I’m pretty tired, but it was a good day so I can’t complain. I made some putts that I don’t normally make, and it was good to keep the bogeys off the card,” said Jenkins.
Currently in his first full season at the University of North Carolina after transferring from UNC-Greensboro last year, Jenkins said the long day was precisely what he’s used to from his collegiate events.
“I’m still in college, so I’m used to the 36-holes a day of college golf. It was actually pretty nice to have someone carrying my bag. It was very comfortable; I just packed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and kept going.”
Play was suspended due to darkness at 7:36 p.m. and will resume at 8:30 a.m. XX players were left to complete round two.
PROJECTED SCORES FOR MACKENZIE TOUR STATUS:
1st (Exempt for 2016 season): -10/1st
16th (Exempt through 1st re-shuffle): -4/T12
40th plus ties (Conditional status): -1/T32
KEY NUMBERS TO KNOW
69: Players left to finish round two.
62: Players who completed round two.
75.762: The 18-hole scoring average among players who finished round two.
“It’s a really good tournament and I’m glad I won it. I’ve played in about 10 of them growing up, so I always wanted to get that win. I’m on a list with a lot of great players, so it’s a good thing for my confidence and my game,” – 2015 Ontario Men’s Amateur Champion Elliott Whitley, who shot a 6-under 66 in round one.
“It’s a little bittersweet. It’s sad to lose the team aspect, but I’m really looking forward to what the future holds and getting out there.” – Matt NeSmith, who will conclude his collegiate career at the University of South Carolina before turning pro this spring. NeSmith shot an 8-under 64 in round one.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is not to try to do anything special. You just have to put it on the fairway and green and make some putts. I was really trying to go too low too fast, and that’s just not the way to go. Over the few months that I’ve been a pro, I’ve learned you don’t have to go out there and shoot 18 under; You just need to play smart and make a few birdies, and that usually adds up to a good score.” – Roman Robledo, who missed out on Mackenzie Tour status but is in good position this year after opening with rounds of 68-70.
NOTES:
- Weather: 25 degrees Celsius. Mostly cloudy. Winds 24 km/h.
- Play was suspended due to darkness at 7:36 p.m. and will resume Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. Players will be re-grouped by score following the completion of round two.
- Carter Jenkins is concluding his first full season at the University of North Carolina after transferring in 2015 from UNC-Greensboro.
- Matt NeSmith is currently ranked no. 9 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and was a third team All-American in last year at the University of South Carolina.
- Click here for scores.
