The pressure of a PGA Tour exemption lingers at the National Golf Invitational
The Men's National Golf Invitational winner will earn an exemption into the PGA Tour's Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
MARICOPA, Ariz. — Gavin O'Neill admits he and his teammates joked about an improbable, but possible, scenario that could play out Sunday at the Men's National Golf Invitational . The junior at Grand Canyon has pictured he and his four teammates, donning their purple shirts, strolling down the fairway in a five-way playoff.
Not only would bragging rights be on the line as well as a postseason title, but a spot in a PGA Tour event this fall in Bermuda. "We'd be foolish enough to say we haven't thought of that," O'Neill said. Talk about pressure.
More: NGI SCORES The NGI kicked off Friday at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, with the fourth edition of the tournament (think NIT of college golf) having more on the line than any before it. Not only will the winning team claim a postseason championship to conclude their season, but the individual winner will receive an exemption into the PGA Tour's Butterfield Bermuda Championship in October. "It's in the back of your mind," O'Neill said Friday after opening in 8-under 64.
"It's 36 holes away now, but you have to just go at it one hole at a time, one shot at a time. Just can't get too far ahead of yourself. Golf is too hard as it is.