Local places third in qualifier to secure alternate spot

By KEVIN CHIRI

Publisher

LAPLACE – Timothy Byrd has had many big tournaments he has played in during his still young golfing career.

But his performance at the U.S. Amateur Qualifying Tournament last week at Lake Charles Country Club may rank as the most impressive yet.

Byrd had already finished among the top golfers at many national junior events as he wrapped up his prep career this past spring, but then he stepped up to the U.S. Amateur Qualifier last week trying to gain a spot in the elite national tournament.

Byrd put together two great rounds, shooting 73 and 68 for a 141 total.

That tied him for third place, where he beat four other players in a sudden death playoff to take third in the tournament.

Byrd is now the number one alternate to the U.S. Amateur National Tournament, which is set for August 21 at Hazeltine Golf Club in Minnesota.

First and second place golfers at the qualifier earn berths to the national tournament, and even though Byrd is the first alternate, there is a good chance he will get to make the big event.

&#8220Three of the past four years, the first alternate has gone,” he said. &#8220So I’m hoping to get a chance. There definitely is a shot.”

Whether he goes or not, Byrd had to be satisfied with an excellent performance at the qualifier in Lake Charles. Facing a field of the top 60 golfers in the region, he shot one-over par 73 on the first day, then came back with a sharp four-under par 68 on the second day.

The winning score in the tournament was seven-under par, with second place coming in at four-under, just ahead of Byrd at three-under.

That put him in a third place tie with four other golfers. On the first hole of sudden death, three players got eliminated, and it came down to Byrd and one opponent as they battled it out until the fifth hole. Byrd birdied twice in the playoff, then won on the fifth playoff hole to earn the alternate spot.

&#8220I’m really pleased with the way I hit the ball throughout the tournament,” he said of the 36-hole event that was all played in one day.

&#8220All the work I’ve put in to revamp my swing is paying off. I hit most the clubs consistently, and made a number of putts. I’m feeling pretty good about the way I’m playing right now.”

Byrd is already in Ruston at college, where he will be playing for Louisiana Tech on a golf scholarship.

&#8220I’m not playing any more tournaments right now unless I make the U.S. Amateur Nationals,” he said.

&#8220We’re getting ready to start our fall season soon and I’m working to be ready for that.”