LAS VEGAS — The PGA Tour has withdrawals almost every week. Sometimes, a golfer may withdraw on Tuesday to give other options and time to prepare.
Sometimes, however, WDs can occur the morning after the first round. Sometimes, they occur just minutes before the tee time. For those who are on the edge of a Tour start, this can make life a lot more interesting.
Take Tano Goya, Argentina. He was eight years old when he made his first PGA Tour debut in Fortinet Championship, three weeks ago. He was the first alternate at Vegas this week. Let’s hear the rest.
“It was strange because I felt like I was going in some way. Yesterday I heard Matt Kuchar was having problems with his knee so I thought maybe I had a chance. He was playing in afternoon, but I must be here before he does.
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“I arrive at about 5:30 am in the morning. I didn’t hear any, so I decided to take it slow. I was there to warm up, so I took my time.
“All of a sudden my caddie called me, saying that Peter Malnati was like ten seconds ago and that he couldn’t find him. I replied, “I saw him in the gym.” He was in the track. So, I felt like he was here. “I’m not sure if that’s incorrect information.
“Then, all of a sudden I was like, ‘Just in case. I’m going get ready.’ They called me and said that I was ready in two minutes. I had no time for breakfast and didn’t even have the time to put on my shoes. I took my trainers to the first tee shot. It was hilarious, I had no practice or any other training.
Goya received the call at 7:15 a.m., local time. He was there just two minutes before Austin Cook and Zac Blair needed him on the tee box.
Goya began on the 10th hole. He says that he was finally able get into his golf shoes at the 10th fairway. Then he birdied Nos. 13-16 and 17 were his last holes to complete the turn at 3 under. To sign for a 68, he birdied the ninth hole and bogeyed second.
“I was certain that I would get in. I prepared well Tuesday and Wednesday and felt confident about my game. It was a good day. The only mistake I made was hitting it into the desert on, I believe No. 2. Other than that, I was pretty consistent and solid.”
Kevin Roy, a second alternate, was also in the field after Kuchar withdrew.
It’s a good thing Roya set the alarm clock so early.
By: Todd Kelly
Title: Shriners Children's Open alternate Tano Goya missed breakfast, teed off with the wrong shoes, opens with a 68 in Las Vegas
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/10/06/shriners-open-alternate-tano-goya-68/
Published Date: Thu, 06 Oct 2022 22:40:22 +0000
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