TCU's Beckstrom Qualifies For EDS Byron Nelson Classic

Colby Beckstrom

TCU junior Colby Beckstrom, the 2005 Conference USA men's golf co-medalist, became the first golfer under head coach Bill Montigel to qualify for a PGA Tour event while still playing for the Horned Frogs. Beckstrom, who was one of 156 participants attempting to earn a spot in this week's EDS Bryon Nelson Classic, shot a 65 (-6) during the qualifier to secure one of four berths in the field.

Beckstrom, who hails from North Muskegon, Mich., shot a 6-under 29 on the front nine thanks in part to holing a 9-iron from the fairway for eagle on No. 2. He played even-par on the back nine to join Brian Madison (63), Jaxon Brigman (64) and Clark Dennis (65) in the tournament.

Monday's qualifier marked the first time that Beckstrom had attempted to qualify for a PGA event other than the U.S. Open. The last TCU golfer to play in a PGA Tour event as a TCU student-athlete was former first-team All-American Alberto Ochoa, who received an exemption into the Colonial in 1998.

Beckstrom is a two-time first-team All-Conference USA selection and owns a career-best 71.68 scoring average this year. He has a pair of collegiate tournament titles to his credit during his career, which includes a shared victory at the Conference USA Championships in April.

The EDS Bryon Nelson Classic will take place from Thursday-Sunday in Las Colinas. Thursday and Friday's rounds take place at the TPC Four Seasons and Cottonwood Valley Courses. Following Friday's second round, the field will be cut to the low 70 players plus ties. All weekend action will be contested at the TPC.

Highlighting the field at the Nelson are the top five players in the world rankings: Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Retief Goosen. In addition, former Horned Frog All-American J.J. Henry, who placed fifth at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans two weeks ago, will be in action. Tee times will be announced on Wednesday.