Alabama Men’s Golfers Have Big Month on Professional Circuits
8/10/2020 2:53:00 PM | Men's Golf
Four different Crimson Tide men’s golfers won tournaments across four consecutive weekends
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – It's been quite a month for former Alabama men's golfers playing on the professional circuits as Crimson Tide alumni have hoisted a tournament trophy on either the PGA Tour or Korn Ferry Tour across four consecutive weekends.
Davis Riley (TPC Sant Antonio Championship on July 18) and Lee Hodges (WinCo Foods Portland Open on Aug. 9) book-ended the month with wins on the Korn Ferry Tour, while Michael Thompson (3M Open on July 26) and Justin Thomas (WGC FedEx St. Jude Classic on Aug. 2) scored PGA Tour victories in between.
As a result of claiming the St. Jude Classic on Aug. 2, Thomas regained his spot as the world's No. 1-ranked golfer, while Thompson, with his his first Tour victory in seven years, vaulted into the top-50 standings of the FedExCup Rankings.
Additionally, Riley (2nd) and Hodges (3rd) finished inside the top-5 of the Korn Ferry Tour's points standings and earned exemptions into the 2020 U.S. Open, which will take place Sept. 17-20 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamoroneck, N.Y.
"I'm extremely proud of these four guys and the way they represent our program, not only on the golf course but they are all terrific role models off the course as well," head coach Jay Seawell said. "Each of their wins was significant in its own way – Justin regained the No. 1 ranking in the world, Michael had a huge win that was long overdue and both Lee and Davis are on the verge of earning their PGA Tour cards and will have an opportunity to play in the U.S. Open. Just overwhelmed for each of them, their families and the accomplishments they have achieved."
"It's very exciting," Riley said. "It's kind of nice that I've already played there at Winged Foot and know what to expect. The awe factor won't be what it was when I played the U.S. Open in 2015. I've learned what to expect and excited to compete in a major. My game is in a great spot and I'm just going to try and keep the momentum for the next few weeks going in. I'm looking forward to a great week in New York."
"It will be sweet to play in a major," Hodges said. "It will be special. I've always admired the U.S. Open, the way you have to play out there, it's proper golf. I think I play a lot of proper golf and I hope to go and play well."
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