This week I’m in Jackson, MS attempting to qualify for the PGA Tour’s Viking Classic. The tournament itself doesn’t actually start until October 29th, but for PGA Tour events there are two rounds of open qualifying. Most players have to enter the first round of qualifying, called pre-qualifying, normally held the Thursday or Friday prior to the tournament week, but PGA Tour members (not already in the event itself) and Nationwide Tour members are exempt into the final round of qualifying on Monday of the tournament week where four spots in the event are up for grabs.

Qualifying began today with the pre-qualifying round taking place at Colonial Country Club – Deerfield Course in Madison, MS. Because most non-PGA and Nationwide Tour members are busy at the First Stage of Q School there weren’t many people in the pre-qualifier, only 41 guys playing for 30 spots in the qualifier on Monday. It was a cool, blustery day after getting heavy rains last night, and the golf course played very long because of the conditions. On a tough day for scoring and with so much of the field advancing, I knew a solid round would serve me very well when I started the day. I birdied the second and third holes to get to -2 early, and from there on out just played a nice conservative round. My goal became to make as many tap in pars as I could, and if I made a putt for birdie it was just a bonus. The rest of the round I hit the ball beautifully only missing two greens all day and putted solidly. I made two bogeys on the greens I missed and made a couple putts to end at 70 (-2). When I got into the scoring area it turned out that I tied for the win with my round, easily assuring me a spot for Monday.

For the rest of the weekend I’m going to stay in Jackson with a friend from high school who lives here and practice at some local courses. We’ll play the same golf course on Monday to determine who gets into the tournament, and right now it’s looking like it’ll be about 55 guys for 4 spots in the event. The next stage will have some better players with the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour guys joining those of us who advanced, but with the way I’m hitting it right now I believe I’ve got a great chance to get through the qualifier. I just need to stay patient and take care of my own business, and I should be in great shape. Check back in on Monday to see how things turn out. I’ve posted the links to the pre-qualifying results as well as the scoring for Monday. Thanks for watching.

Pre-Qualifying Results: http://gulfpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gulfpga9/event/gulfpga942/contest/1/leaderboard.htm

Monday Qualifier Scoring:  http://gulfpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/gulfpga9/event/gulfpga911/contest/1/leaderboard.htm

Tim