The Golf Watch

Rookie McNeill captures first PGA Tour win in Vegas

Just as Tiger Woods had in 1996, George McNeill won his first PGA tournament yesterday at the Frys.com Open in Las Vegas.  McNeill, a former assistant professional, fired a final round 5-under 67, defeating defending champion D.J. Trahan by four strokes. Golf Channel Analyst Brandel Chamblee said on the Sprint Post Game, "He made the game look so easy all week long and in particular, the last two days…You think about where he came from last year, and what he did this week, just to put it in perspective, and how many guys dream of doing what he did today, it was an awesome display of golf."  McNeill jumps from 122nd on the money list to 59th.  First round leader Bob May finished tied for fifth and went from 217th to 182nd on the money list.  May still has some work to do in the last few weeks of the season if he wants to get his PGA Tour card for next year.

McNeill shoots 5-under 67, takes third round lead by five strokes

Before this week, George McNeill was hoping to keep his card on the PGA Tour.  Going into tomorrow's final found, he will be looking for his first tour win, allowing him to jump inside the top-60 on the money list.  McNeill fired a 5-under 67 earlier today, giving him a five stroke lead over Robert Garrigus and defending champion D.J. Trahan.  McNeill, a former assistant professional, was a Q-School medalist last year, and is currently 122nd on the money list.  Brandel Chamblee said on the Sprint Post Game, "How about that?  He goes from being an assistant pro, sort of an unheralded job, to being possibly a millionaire at the end of this year.  I’m very impressed with what he’s done today."  McNeill tees off tomorrow at 10:35 a.m. PT.