Strong field line-up for the South Georgia Classic on the Nationwide Tour
A field of 156 players will be pitched to clinch the top slot in this week’s South Georgia Classic on the Nationwide Tour, played at the Kinderlou Golf Club, Valdosta. The $625,000 event will be first of the two events on the Nationwide Tour which will be
played back to back in the opening weeks of May.
Among the regular tour participants, celebrated Baseball Hall of Famer, John Smoltz is also participating in the tournament to quench his thirst for the sport. Smoltz will be featuring in the event on sponsor’s exemption and will tee off at 9:05 a.m. on
the first day along with Andrew Giuliani.
The 43-year-old has been associated with golf for a long time and has also previously tried to qualify for the US Open and Georgia Open. Smoltz has also played with Tiger Woods and has the ability to perform exceedingly well under pressure. Smoltz has hired
one of the strongest caddies, Chad Smith, from the Valdosta State University.
Giuliani will share some of the spot light of the event, being the son of the famous former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani. Giuliani qualified for the South Georgia Classic after his round of 66 at the qualifiers at Glen Arven Country Club. He finished
runner-up behind Troy Kelly and it will be his first time participating in the Nationwide Tour.
Giuliani won his first professional event at the Met Open Championship at the Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus N.J, and tried twice to grab the PGA Tour card, failing to make it to the second round in the qualifiers.
Australian Ewan Porter, the defending Champion, will be another formidable challenge for the rest of the sturdy field. The 28-year-old won his second PGA Tour victory after last year, defeating Jhonattan Vegas with a one shot lead.
Porter has finally settled down with his girlfriend Annabel after spending a whirlwind-money-starved life for almost two years, and sounds upbeat about his chances in the tournament.
"I think this is a wonderful opportunity this season with us being more stable and Annabel enjoying what she's doing," Porter said. "I'm looking forward to playing well and I have to start putting it together this week."
The Fresh Express Classic winner of last month, Daniel Chopra is on the peak of his form and third on the Tour’s Money List. The 37-year-old has won thrice on the tour and he is good enough to win again on the tour at Kinderlou.
The Tour Money Leader, Mathew Goggin is also participating in the event and with his victory in Panama, and his joint fourth finish at the Fresh Express Classic, Goggin poses a serious threat to contenders. The Australian did, however, miss the cut at the
Pacific Rubiales Bogota Open earlier this year.
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