Oct. 18, 2002

Columbia, S.C. – Former Gamecock All-American Kyle Thompson tied for 11th place to advance through the first stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying after firing a four-under-par score of 284 (66-74-76-68) at the Greystone Country Club in Dickson, Tenn.

The low 20 scores and ties advanced to the second stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament. The second of three stages of qualifying takes place in two weeks in Panama City, Fla.

Thompson fired a low-round score of 66 in the first round of action, but struggled in the second and third rounds. He rebounded in day four to shoot four-under-par 68. In preparation for the final round of action, Thompson asked Gamecock Head Coach Puggy Blackmon for advice.

“I called Puggy for some advice and he told me to relax and think of something other than golf to keep my mind at ease – and it worked.” commented Thompson. “I had my back against the wall, but I felt like I played my best game today (day four),”

Thompson, wearing the garnet and black from 1998-2001, left USC as the second golfer in South Carolina history to be named All-American three times. He was also the first collegiate athlete to win two different NCAA Regional Championships. Thompson won the East Regional in 1999 and the West Regional in 2001.

After graduation Thompson played amateur golf for awhile before turning pro late last year. Thompson followed the Buy.com Tour and recently competed in four Hooters Tour events in which he posted three top ten finishes.

“I am playing some of my best golf over the past few months,” stated Thompson. “I just plan on staying loose and not really changing anything since it seems to be working for me right now. I may just practice on my short game a little.”

Former Gamecock teammate Brent Roof will caddy for Thompson in the second stage of qualifying in Panama City, Fla.