Aug. 17, 2012

GREENSBORO, N.C. — South Carolina incoming freshman Matt NeSmith carded a second-round 71 (+1) on Friday at the PGA Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club as he missed the cut by just two strokes.

NeSmith wrapped up his first PGA experience with a solid two-round total of 141 (+1). He played is best golf of the day on the front nine, making the turn at 1-under. However, he was unable to go any lower as he recorded two bogeys, a double bogey, two birdies and four pars on the back side.

A native of North Augusta, S.C., NeSmith earned a sponsor’s exemption to play in the tournament by winning the AJGA Footjoy Invitational in June.

Former Gamecock standout Kyle Thompson will play during the weekend as he made the cut with rounds of 69-67=136 (-4). Thompson is in a tie for 35th and is eight shots behind leader Jimmy Walker.

NeSmith, who is currently ranked the No. 1 junior player in the Polo Golf Rankings, will now join the Gamecocks to prepare for the 2012-13 season. Carolina opens the year on Sept. 7-9 at the Carpet Capital Collegiate in Dalton, Ga.