| Advertisement |
|
|
Clayton Rotz, a Chambersburg High School graduate, is about to take the plunge into the profesional golf ranks.
Rotz will graduate from Louisiana State University on May 20, then return home to begin his summer golf schedule.
The big step will come in mid-June. After playing the Sunnehanna Amateur in Johnstown, Pa., on June 9-12, Rotz will join the professional ranks.
“It’s a big step,” said Rotz. “I’d like to have had a better career (at LSU) but it was a great college experience.”
Rotz finished second to current PGA Tour star Rickie Fowler at the Sunnehanna in 2007.
Rotz’s summer schedule will include the Pennsylvania Open and a trip to the PGA Tour Q-School, along with events on the Hooters Tour and some Monday Nationwide Tour qualifiers.
Rotz recently tried to qualify for the PGA Tour’s Zurich Open in New Orleans, but missed the cut by two strokes in a Monday qualifier.
“My back has been good and I’m working on the short game, under 100 yards,” said Rotz. “That’s a big difference with the pros. Their short game is so good.”
Rotz is leaving LSU with a degree in sports administration, concentrating on sports commerce in business and marketing.
Bricker back home
Waynesboro graduate Chad Bricker, who turned professional after winning the WACO Championship in 2009, is back home for the summer.
The Penn State graduate has had what he terms a “disappointing” venture into the pro ranks, but still has hopes of getting things into gear.
He’ll be at Worthing Manor Golf Club in Urbana, Md. on Monday to compete in a U.S. Open local qualifier.
“I just haven’t played that much,” said Bricker. “It’s tough getting money from sponsors. Entry fees are costly. It’s been frustrating.”
Bricker had been working at the Tequesta Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. and had been playing on a local Fuzion tour.
“I’m planning on some Nationwide qualifiers and I’ll just take one day at a time.” said Bricker.
Maryland qualifiers
Alex Hoffman of Beaver Creek Country Club qualified for the Maryland Open and the Maryland Amateur after shooting a 2-under-par 70 at Andrews Air Force Base East on May 11.
Fountain Head assistant pro Brian Boggs shot a 76 and was one of 29 qualifiers for the Open.
The Maryland Amateur will be played June 9-12 at Hillendale Country Club in Phoenix, and the Maryland Open will be played July 11-13 at Maryland Golf and Country Club in Bel Air.
Tim Koelble is a staff writer for the Herald-Mail. He can be reached at 301-791-7376 or by email at koelble@herald-mail.com.