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Florence, South Carolina—Matt Donovan received a rude awakening in the first stage of the PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament yesterday.
The Pittsfield resident entered with high hopes on the heels of his best summer season since turning professional in 2001. But he faces a hefty task after an opening round of 5-over 75 leaves him tied for 64th in a field of 75 competitors. Before Friday’s final round, the PGA TOUR will determine whether the top 19, 20 or 21 finishers will advance to second stage.
Donovan’s round included a double bogey on the par-five 5th hole, six bogeys and three birdies. Mike Welch, of North Quincy, Mass., shot a 5-under 65 and leads by one. Thirty players are 1-under par or better, an extremely low figure given that 8-over par advanced the last time Florence hosted first stage in 2005.
With three rounds still to play, and no 36-hole cut, recent history proves that Thursday’s first round could have little to do with where Donovan finishes. In 2005, Lee’s Jim Salinetti opened with 7-under 65 and led after the first round. He followed with rounds of 78-71-74 and tied for 54th to miss advancing to second stage.
Donovan tees off the 10th tee at 10:00 am Wednesday morning. Visit PGATOUR.com for scoring.