Matthew, Dodson, Curl and Ledesma receive exemptions for Puerto Rico Open – Golf News
Andy Matthew, 32-year-old Grand Rapids, Mich., native and professional golfer, has qualified for the Puerto Rico Open, slated to be played at the Trump International in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, starting from March 8, 2012.
Matthew scored a five-under par 67 to successfully register his name in the tournament, which saw him making the only cut in his six appearances on the PGA Tour.
Will Dodson and Jeff Curl were two other players who shot a 67 to qualify, along with Nelson Ledesma scoring six-under 66 to lead the qualifying tournament.
This will be the first PGA Tour start for Dodson after playing 13 Nationwide Tour events since 2005.
Among all his appearances, his best finish came in Chiquita Classic where he tied for the 10th position with a 16-under par score.
Dodson looked pleased with his qualification for the prestigious event and said that it is a pleasure for him to be a part of the event that features some of the big names of the golfing world.
Therefore, he will be having a good time at the venue, contending against his favourite players in a high-profile event. This will in turn, give him an experience of being a part of an elite-field.
He said that it will be a great opportunity for him to play and learn from senior players who have spent most of their careers playing on the high-rated PGA Tour.
Curl is another player who will tee off for the first time on the PGA Tour at Trump International.
He is currently playing on the Nationwide Tour on Major Medical Extension and is confident to make a good start to his first appearance on the tour.
Moreover, he is the son of Rod Curl, Colonial National Invitation winner in 1974.
Ledesma, who led the event to qualify for Puerto Rico Open, was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ on the Tour de Las Americas in 2011.
He now plans to make a good start on the PGA Tour event and is also confident to be among the top-10 players to end the event on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Michael Bradley from the United States will defend his title in the fifth edition of the tournament.
Tags: