Joseph Bramlett rallied on the final day of qualifying school to secure his US PGA Tour card to join superstar Tiger Woods as the only US tour members of African American descent.
“It’s an honor. It truly is an honor,” 22-year-old Bramlett said. “Like I’ve said before, it’s been a long time. I’m just thrilled to see it start to change.”
Like Woods, Bramlett attended Stanford University, where his golf career was nearly derailed by two right wrist injuries.
PHOTO: AFP
Woods took note of Bramlett’s achievement with a shout-out on Twitter.
“Congrats to Joe Bramlett for making it through q-school,” the 14-time major champion tweeted. “Amazing feat considering he sat out a whole year with wrist injury. Can’t wait to play with him next season.”
Bramlett’s 11-under par total in the demanding, six-day qualifying school competition saw him tied for 16th.
The top 25 and those tied — a total this year of 29 players — secured their playing privileges for next season.
Australian Jarrod Lyle retained his card with a 68 in his final round that left him fifth overall.
US veteran Billy Mayfair carded a closing 70 to lead the field on 18-under. Of those who qualified, only Mayfair and Paul Stankowski are previous winners on the US tour.
Among the 17 rookies to secure their spots were two South Koreans: Kim Bi-o and Kang Sung-hoon.
Kim finished tied for 11th despite a final-round 75, while Kang closed with a 71.
Those who didn’t make it included Brett Waldman, the caddie for Colombian star Camilo Villegas, and two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton.
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