Gay Captures St. Jude’s, U.S. Open Berth
June 15, 2009 by Jeff Greenwell
Filed under Golf
After failing to grab a spot in a U.S. Open qualifier last week by three strokes, Brian Gay needed a win at the St. Jude Classic to secure a berth at Bethpage Black this coming weekend. And win he did, leading the tournament wire-to-wire, the fourth player to do so, and the first since Justin Leonard pulled off the feat in 2005.
Gay wins at St. Jude, and secures a U.S. Open berth (Image:Zuma Press)
Gay led by only a stroke following each of the first three rounds before firing another impressive 4-under 66, his third in a row, to finish at 18-under for the tourney. David Toms and Bryce Molder tied for second, 5 strokes behind Gay.
It was a difficult weekend for fan favorite Phil Mickelson, playing in his first tournament since his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Heading into the final round at 4-under, Mickelson shot a 75, leaving him at +1 for the weekend. But it wasn’t all bad for Phil. Six kids who had been treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital were waiting for him on the 18th fairway, wearing shirts and a banner that read “Thinking of Amy.” In true Phil Mickelson fashion, the golfer spoke with the children and signed their shirts before finishing up his round.
