Michael Thompson is scheduled to play in a Hooters Tour golf event next weekend.
He’d like to scrap those plans and catch a flight to Miami to compete in the Miccosukee Championship, which would be his second straight Nationwide Tour event.
If he ties for 25th or better today in the Chattanooga Classic, the former Alabama star will get in the field and play in Miami. He’s tied for sixth heading into the final round.
Thompson shot a 5-under-par 67 on Saturday and is in a five-way tie at 12-under 204 for the tournament.
“I’d really like to be playing in Miami next weekend,” Thompson said. “I’ve got one more day. Hopefully I’ll have a good start and my mind will figure out the back side.”
Thompson is playing in the Chattanooga Classic because he earned the Hooters Tour player of the year award, and the tour purchased one of two sponsor’s exemptions and gave Thompson one.
In three rounds, Thompson has made 16 birdies and a hole-in-one on No. 7.
“If I could figure out how to play this back nine, I’d be leading the tournament,” said Thompson, who is 2 under on the final nine holes this week. “I’m glad I’m starting on the front so I’ll have a good feeling from the get-go.”
He has played in three other Nationwide events in addition to being the runner-up in the 2007 U.S. Amateur and playing in the 2008 Masters and U.S. Open.
“I’ve always believed and I’ve just been waiting for my opportunity,” Thompson said. “I’ve always believed that if I can get on this tour, I won’t ever go back to the mini tours because my game is where it needs to be in order to compete with these guys week in and week out.”
If Thompson makes it to Miami, his bride will not be able to join him until the weekend. But his caddie this week could likely be buying a plane ticket.
“This boy is going to be successful from here on out, and there’s a chance I could be going to Miami,” said caddie Rick Mincy, a 50-year-old Black Creek club member and sergeant in the Chattanooga Police Department. “I’m pretty pumped right now, but it will set in later tonight. It’s unbelievable how this guy just fights.”
Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6484. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/UchSports.