THE FLATS – Nine, count ‘em, NINE Yellow Jackets are playing the Korn Ferry Tour event this weekend in Oklahoma … Cameron Tringale and Andy Ogletree resume LIV Golf this weekend in Nashville … More details below in this week’s Georgia Tech #ProJackets Report.
LAMPRECHT MAKES PRO DEBUT ON KORN FERRY TOUR
Christo Lamprecht made his professional debut on the Korn Ferry Tour this week after forfeiting his spot in the 124th US Open.
The South African won The Amateur Championship last year, making him eligible for the US Open at Pinehurst, but he decided to turn pro two weeks ago and therefore forego his exemption.
Had he maintained his amateur status he would have been teeing it up at the iconic Donald Ross design, but instead he will play in the Korn Ferry Tour’s Wichita Open.
The big-hitting 23-year-old beat Ronan Kleu 3&2 in the 36-hole final at Hillside last year to claim The Amateur Championship and get his hands on one of the oldest trophies in golf.
He then took up his exemption into the 2023 Open at Hoylake and made immediate headlines, vaulting into a tie for the lead after the first round thanks to a five-under 66.
He turned pro as the No. 1 ranked amateur in the world and after his Georgia Tech team lost 3-2 in the NCAA Division One semi-finals to Florida State.
Welcome to professional golf 🎓
Christo Lamprecht will be making his professional debut this week on the #KornFerryTour at the @WichitaOpen. pic.twitter.com/rhgPgxBHB6
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) June 11, 2024
Ready for the moment 🎬
Christo Lamprecht talks about expectations and what he’s looking forward to most ahead of his pro debut this week at the @WichitaOpen. pic.twitter.com/JotBTKqrdL
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) June 12, 2024
COMPETITION ROUND-UP
PGA Tour
Three Yellow Jacket pros, Chesson Hadley, Matt Kuchar and Chris Petefish, and one current member of the Georgia Tech team, Hiroshi Tai, competed in the 124th U.S. Open last weekend in Pinehurst, N.C. Only two schools had better representation in the 156-man field.
Alas, only Kuchar made it to the weekend, finishing in a tie for 50th place at 9-over-par 289. However, Tai can say he finished higher than five major champions, including Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland, Justin Thomas, Lucas Glover and Phil Mickelson, and higher than seven of the 16 amateurs in the field.
With three majors now in the books for 2024, the PGA Tour moves to Cromwell, Conn., this weekend for the Travelers Championship, where no Jackets are in the field for this signature event.
42-foot birdie to get inside the projected cutline 💪
Matt Kuchar is finding a way @USOpenGolf. pic.twitter.com/l5GRuM12CX
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 14, 2024
45 years old and still a grinder.
Matt Kuchar just 2 holes away from making the cut at the U.S. Open. pic.twitter.com/jKRJtXLkaZ
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 14, 2024
Bunker beauty from Matt Kuchar!
The fans roar in approval @USOpenGolf.pic.twitter.com/zUeeStDZ2Q
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 14, 2024
*****
Korn Ferry Tour
Connor Howe and Ross Steelman outpaced the six Yellow Jackets in the field for last weekend’s Wichita Open, each tying for 17th place at 11-under-par 269. Ollie Schniederjans, a former champion of this event, tied for 54th, while Paul Haley II tied for 77th.
Christo Lamprecht, making his tournament debut as a professional, missed the cut by three strokes after posting rounds of 78-63.
The tour remains in the heartland of America this weekend with the Compliance Solutions Championship in Norman, Okla., where NINE Yellow Jackets will compete. Seth Reeves, who finished runner-up in his last event and took last weekend off, is back in action and sits No. 28 in the Korn Ferry Tour points list, highest among the Jackets.
*****
GProTour
Ben Smith tied for 12th place at last week’s Colonial Classic in Thomasville, N.C., posting an 11-under-par total of 202. Andy Mao, who graduated from Tech in May after five years in the program, shot 3-under-par 139 but missed the 36-hole cut in his first pro start.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- PGA Tour: Travelers Championship • June 20-23, 2024 • TPC River Highlands • Cromwell, Conn. • Purse: $20M • FedEx Cup points: 700
- Korn Ferry Tour: Compliance Solutions Championship • June 20-23, 2024 • Jimmie Austin OU Golf Cub • Norman, Okla. • Purse: $1M • KFT points: 500
- PGA Tour Champions: DICK’S Open • June 21-23, 2024 • En-Joie Golf Club • Endicott, N.Y. • Purse: $2.1M
- PGA Tour Americas: The Beachlands Victoria Open • June 20-23, 2024 • Uplands Golf Club • Victoria, British Colombia • Purse: $225K • Fortinet Cup points: 500
- Asian Tour/International Series: Kolon Korea Open Golf • June 20-23, 2024 • Woo Jeong Hills Country Club • Korea • Purse: $1.4M KSW
- LIV Golf Series: Houston • June 21-23, 2024 • The Grove • Nashville, Tenn. • Purse: $25M
- GPro Tour: Mimosa Open • June 18-20, 2024 • Mimosa Hills Golf & Country Club • Morganton, N.C. • Purse: $68,125
#PROJACKETS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
“He’s one of the best South African golfers to ever live.”
Christo Lamprecht has always looked up to Ernie Els growing up.
The 6’8” South African is making his pro debut @KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/yo03QPNJvx
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) June 13, 2024
We ♥️ North Carolina. Raleigh native Chesson Hadley talks about our home state. pic.twitter.com/6qayBDj5Te
— Peter Millar (@petermillar) June 14, 2024
My vote for NBC lineup: Hicks and Smylie in the booth. Bones and Wood on the course. Call it a day.
— Roberto Castro (@cicioCASTRO) June 16, 2024
Legendary bunker shot at 18. Incredible!! Epic!!!!! Congrats to @b_dechambeau I love the tribute to Payne. Really cool.
Congrats to @USGA for a wonderful Championship. Well done @USGAMike
And @PinehurstResort continues to show it’s a National Treasure.And next…
— Charlie Rymer (@CharlieRymerPGA) June 16, 2024
Getting ready for a big Father’s Day weekend! #GoBraves@WeberGrills pic.twitter.com/hQrco1vOkY
— Charlie Rymer (@CharlieRymerPGA) June 14, 2024
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PLAYER PLAYER LAST WEEK DATA ANDERS ALBERTSON
Hometown: Woodstock, Ga.
Turned pro: 2015
Years at Georgia Tech: 2011-15
Status: PGA TourDid not play FedEx Cup points ranking: 239
YTD earnings: $8,760
KFT points ranking: 126
YTD earnings (KFT): $14,525
Career earnings (PGAT): $556,905
Career earnings (KFT): $929,956 STEWART CINK
Hometown: Florence, Ala.
Residence: Duluth, Ga.
Turned pro: 1995
Years at Georgia Tech: 1991-95
Status: PGA Tour/PGA Tour ChampionsDid not play Schwab Cup points ranking: 9
YTD Earnings (Champions): $1,258,156
Career earnings (Champions): $1,726,795
FedEx Cup points ranking: 173
YTD earnings (PGA Tour): $378,476
Career earnings (PGA Tour): $43,905,340 WILL DICKSON
Hometown: Providence, R.I.
Residence: Atlanta, Ga.
Turned pro: 2021
Years at Georgia Tech: 2017-21
Status: Developmental toursDid not play GPro Points ranking: 20
YTD Earnings (GPro): $4,797
Career earnings (GPro): $59,704
Points ranking (KFT): 193
YTD earnings (KFT): $4,538
Points ranking (FET): 154
YTD earnings (FET): $2,571 DAVID DUVAL
Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Residence: Denver, Colo.
Turned pro: 1993
Years at Georgia Tech: 1989-93
Status: PGA Tour ChampionsDid not play Schwab Cup Points ranking: 61
YTD earnings (Champions): $356,865
Career earnings (Champions): $650,155
Career earnings (PGAT): $18,983,931 J.T. GRIFFIN
Hometown: Wilson, N.C.
Residence: Marietta, Ga.
Turned pro: 2011
Years at Georgia Tech: 2007-11
Status: Korn Ferry TourDid not play Fortinet Cup points: n/a
YTD earnings (Canada): n/a
Career earnings (Canada): $29,836
Career earnings (KFT): $187,056 CHESSON HADLEY
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Turned pro: 2010
Years at Georgia Tech: 2006-10
Status: PGA TourDid not play FedEx Cup points ranking: 143
YTD earnings: $628,066
Career earnings: $12,352,126 SHUN YAT HAK
Hometown: Hong Kong
Turned pro: 2013
Years at Georgia Tech: 2012-13
Status: PGA Tour ChinaDid not play GPro Tour points ranking: n/a PAUL HALEY II
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Turned pro: 2011
Years at Georgia Tech: 2007-11
Status: PGA TourDid not play FedEx Cup points: 204
YTD earnings (PGA Tour): $9,160
KFT points ranking: 203
YTD earnings (KFT): $9,160
Career earnings (PGAT): $837,353
Career earnings (KFT): $1,098,205 CONNOR HOWE
Hometown: Ogden, Utah
Residence: Atlanta, Ga.
Turned pro: 2023
Years at Georgia Tech: 2018-23
Status: PGA Tour CanadaDid not play KFT points ranking: 159
YTD earnings (KFT): $32,406
Fortinet Cup points ranking: n/a
YTD earnings (Canada): $n/a MATT KUCHAR
Hometown:
Lake Mary, Fla.
Residence: Sea Island, Ga.
Turned pro: 2000
Years at Georgia Tech: 1997-2000
Status: PGA TourDid not play FedEx Cup points ranking: 109
YTD earnings: $1,469,667
Career earnings (PGAT): $60,228,357 CHRISTO LAMPRECHT
Hometown: George, South Africa
Turned pro: 2024
Years at Georgia Tech: 2000-24
Status: Korn Ferry TourDid not play KFT points ranking: 140
YTD earnings: $42,504
Career earnings (KFT): $42,504 ANDY MAO
Hometown: Johns Creek, Ga.
Turned pro: 2024
Years at Georgia Tech: 2020-24
Status: developmental toursDid not play GPro points ranking: 72
YTD earnings: $1,215 LARRY MIZE
Residence: Columbus, Ga.
Turned pro: 1980
Years at Georgia Tech: 1975-79
Status: PGA Tour ChampionsDid not play Schwab Cup points ranking: 112
YTD earnings: $10,863
Career earnings (Champions): $5,166,866
Career earnings (PGAT): $7,947,092 ANDY OGLETREE
Hometown: Little Rock, Miss.
Residence: Roswell, Ga.
Turned pro: 2020
Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-20
Status: Asian TourDid not play LIV standings: 34
YTD earnings (LIV): $2,432,833
Order of Merit (Asian Tour): 52
YTD earnings (Asian Tour): $20,300
Career earnings (LIV): $3,543,875 CHRIS PETEFISH
Hometown: Danville, Calif.
Turned pro: 2018
Years at Georgia Tech: 2014-18
Status: Korn Ferry TourDid not play KFT Points ranking: 162
YTD earnings (KFT): $20,239
Career earnings (KFT): $342,455
Career earnings (PGA Tour Canada): $21,118 SETH REEVES
Hometown: Duluth, Ga.
Turned pro: 2014
Years at Georgia Tech: 2010-14
Status: Korn Ferry TourDid not play KFT points ranking: 43
YTD earnings (KFT): $227,620
Career earnings (PGAT): $233,065
Career earnings (KFT): $859,183 LUKE SCHNIEDERJANS
Hometown: Powder Springs, Ga.
Residence: Alpharetta, Ga.
Turned pro: 2020
Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-20
Status: MacKenzie Tour/Forme TourDid not play Fortinet Cup points: 121
YTD earnings (Americas): $4,736
Career earnings (Canada): $46,844 OLLIE SCHNIEDERJANS
Hometown: Powder Springs, Ga.
Turned pro: 2015
Years at Georgia Tech: 2011-15
Status: Korn Ferry TourDid not play KFT Points ranking: 100
YTD earnings: $85,403
Career earnings (KFT): $651,113
Career earnings (PGAT): $3,879,653 BEN SMITH
Hometown: Novi, Mich.
Residence: Atlanta, Ga.
Turned pro: 2022
Years at Georgia Tech: 2018-22
Status: developmental toursDid not play GPro points ranking: 39
YTD earnings: $6,976 ROSS STEELMAN
Hometown: Columbia, Mo.
Residence: Atlanta, Ga.
Turned pro: 2023
Years at Georgia Tech: 2021-23
Status: Korn Ferry TourDid not play KFT points ranking: 56
YTD earnings (KFT): $172,746
Career earnings (KFT): $196,867 TYLER STRAFACI
Hometown: Davie, Fla.
Residence: Davie, Fla.
Turned pro: 2020
Years at Georgia Tech: 2016-20
Status: noneDid not play Fortinet Cup points: 219
YTD earnings (Canada): $789
Career earnings (PGAT Americas): $45,681
YTD earnings (GPro Tour): $1,112
Career earnings (PGA Tour): $21,111
Career earnings (Canada): $12,970 CAMERON TRINGALE
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Turned pro: 2009
Years at Georgia Tech: 2005-09
Status: LIV Golf/Asian TourDid not play LIV standings: 28
YTD Earnings (LIV): $2,727,625
YTD earnings (Asian Tour): n/a
Career earnings (LIV): $9,599,325
Career earnings (PGAT): $17,310,004 RICHY WERENSKI
Hometown: South Hadley, Mass.
Turned pro: 2014
Years at Georgia Tech: 2011-14
Status: Korn Ferry TourDid not play KFT points ranking: 55
YTD earnings (KFT): $65,960
YTD earnings (PGA Tour): $57,000
Career earnings (KFT): $632,504
Career earnings (PGAT): $6,765,035 VINCENT WHALEY
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
Residence: Alpharetta, Ga.
Turned pro: 2017
Years at Georgia Tech: 2013-17
Status: PGA TourDid not play FedEx Cup points ranking: 103
YTD earnings (PGA Tour): $1,474,033
Career earnings (PGA Tour): $4,119,842
KFT points ranking: 107
YTD earnings (KFT): $206,369
Career earnings (KFT): $350,642