Bruce Bowen once caddied in the Nationwide Tour event at Black Creek Club. Next week he’ll be playing in it.
The assistant pro at The Honors Course earned one of three spots into the Children’s Hospital Classic at the Tennessee Section PGA member qualifier at Black Creek on Thursday.
Bowen shot a 2-under-par 70 and advanced with a birdie on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff with Paul Brannon of Spring Hill, Tenn.
“My youngest daughter’s first birthday is next Saturday, and my wife planned a party for that day,” said Bowen, who will be playing in his first NWT event. “I told her there may be one little thing that could cause me to miss it.”
Bowen will be joined by The Honors Course head professional Henrik Simonsen and Brock Shafer of Olive Branch, Miss., and Windyke Country Club, the co-medalists Thursday at 69.
“It’s a whole different game when you tee it up with that caliber of player,” said Simonsen, who has played in five PGA Tour events. “Typically club pros don’t play well. But that’s going to change this year.”
Black Creek’s head pro, Todd McKittrick, and two other local golfers, Craig Burrows and Matthew Brock, tied for fifth with 71s.