Nov. 1, 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former South Carolina golfers Kyle Thompson and Mark Anderson have earned full PGA Tour cards for the 2012 season by finishing in the top 25 on the Nationwide Tour money list.

Thompson and Anderson wrapped up the 2011 Nationwide season on Sunday in a tie for 29th at the Nationwide Tour Championship. The finish kept both Thompson and Anderson in the top 25 on the money list at No. 15 ($233,949) and No. 22 ($188,550), respectively.

“Everyone associated with the Carolina golf program is proud of Mark and Kyle for their accomplishments this year on the Nationwide Tour,” South Carolina head coach Bill McDonald said. “The Nationwide Tour has become one of the most competitive tours in the world, and to have two of our former players finish in the top 25 on the money list and get their PGA Tour cards for next year is quite an accomplishment.

“It will be exciting watching Mark’s progress as a rookie, and I know Kyle is ready for another chance to prove he belongs with the big boys as well. We all wish them the very best and we will be pulling hard for their success.”

Thompson, a 2001 South Carolina graduate, will be making his second appearance on the PGA Tour as he also earned a card in 2008. He played in 21 Nationwide events this season and finished in the top 10 four times, including a win at the Rex Hospital Open in June.

During his time as a Gamecock, Thompson was a three-time All-American. He owns the school record for most individual titles with five, including wins at the 1999 NCAA East Regional and 2001 NCAA West Regional. He is also first in career top-10 finishes (22), tied for first in career top-five finishes (14) and second in career scoring average (72.81) at South Carolina.

Anderson will be playing his first full season on the PGA Tour. The Beaufort, S.C, native played in 25 Nationwide events in 2011 and recorded four top-10 finishes, including a second-place showing at the Miccosukee Championship on Oct. 16. His scoring average of 69.92 was tied for the 22nd best average on the Nationwide Tour this season.

Anderson, a 2008 South Carolina graduate, was a two-time All-American for the Gamecocks. He was also named the SEC’s Freshman of the Year in 2005.

The 2012 PGA Tour season gets underway with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions on Jan. 6-9 in Kapalua, Hawaii.