Texas-based Mcneill fights back tears after winning qualifier to secure PGA Tour debut in Houston Open
Callum Mcneill is set to make his PGA Tour debut this week after securing a spot alongside compatriots Martin Laird and Bob Macintyre in the Texas Children’s Houston Open.
Edinburgh-born Mcneill earned the exciting opportunity in his “second home” after winning an 18-hole Monday qualifier with a six-under-par 66 at Westwood Golf Club.
The 31-year-old, who is mentored by former US Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton, carded an eagle and five birdies, coming home in 31 as he topped the leaderboard in a shoot-out for four spots in the $9.1 million eventstartingatmemorialpark tomorrow.
“I’ve never played a PGA Tour event and obviously living here in Houston it will be cool,” said Mcneill, who grew up in Lauder before moving to Hawick.
“I’ve worked at a club here for eight years and a lot of people havehelpedme.withoutthem, I wouldn’t be able to do this, so it will be cool to make my PGA Tour debut here as it’s kind of like my second home now.”
Mcneill came up just short in both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour Qualifying Tour Schools last year but holds conditional Korn Ferry Tour status this season. This sparkling effort came on the back of a missed cut on that circuit in Chile last week.
“I mean, look, it’s hard,” he added, choking back tears as he reflected on all the hard work he’s put in as he chases his dreamofbeingapgatourcard holder himself one day. “You never know how many more chances you are going to get. I’ve been doing it for just over three years and there’s nothing guaranteed. It means a lot.”
Mcneill’s cousin, Cameron, caddied for him in the qualifier and is now contemplating rebooking his flight home to be on the bag later this week.
“I’m just over on holiday with my wife and daughter to see Callum and he asked if I could caddie for him,” he said. “It’s a fantastic feeling and absolutely buzzingforhim.imighthaveto change my flight.”
Russell Knox almost boosted the Scots contingent in this week’s event to four as a 68 left him just one shot out of a playoff for the other three spots that went to Rhein Gibson, Emilio Gonzalez and Sung Kang.