He checked his scorecard at least 10 times after finishing with a 7-under par 65, but former Otago representative Thomas Campbell finally made it through to his first Web.com Tour event, starting tomorrow.
Campbell (28) fired 10 birdies and three bogeys to tie for first at the Lantana Golf Club, in Texas, and breezed into the main field of the $US600,000 ($NZ700,000) WNB Classic despite only six spots being available.
He said it was a huge relief to qualify for his first Web.com Tour event but had faced a nervous wait as there were still about 40 players to finish their qualifying round.
''I had a feeling that 66 would be in a playoff and had that in mind, so when I birdied the last hole to get to 7 [under par], it was a huge sigh of relief.''
The event field includes 20 former PGA Tour winners including 2004 British Open winner Todd Hamilton, a handful of notable Australians such as Peter Lonard and Nick O'Hern, and fellow New Zealander Steve Alker.
For Campbell, it will be his biggest challenge yet as a professional golfer.
A good result here could open up several opportunities around the United States.
''I want to at least finish in the top 25. If I finish in the top 25, I get to play the following week without having to qualify for the next event.
''I'll be making the most of the opportunity, no holding back. A great result can lead to so much more.''
After finishing his practice round, he said he was happy with his form.
''I didn't miss a fairway on Monday, so feeling really good about that. All parts of my game are feeling great.
''I've been hitting the ball great for the past few weeks but haven't been getting much out of each round.''
Campbell expects a soft touch with the putter will be required on the lightning-fast greens at the Midland Country Club, something he was not renowned for as an amateur around the Dunedin scene.
''The greens are very fast, so keeping the ball below the hole is a must, but they are very true.''
- by Michael Minty
