Mizzou Men’s Golf Alum Hayden Buckley clinches first Korn Ferry Tour title at LECOM Suncoast Classic
2/21/2021 9:03:00 PM | Men's Golf, MizzouMade
Buckley gained entry into the tournament as the first alternate
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – Mizzou Men's Golf alumni Hayden Buckley ('18) went from first alternate on Thursday morning to LECOM Suncoast Classic champion on Sunday afternoon. He battled through a three-way tie playoff run to claim his first Korn Ferry Tour title, edging out Dawson Armstrong and Taylor Montgomery at Lakewood National Golf Club.
After failing to qualify entry on Monday, Buckley was in the top alternate spot Thursday morning at the range when he received the call that he had earned a tee time.
"It is painful warming up in the dark but getting the call 15 minutes before and going out and shooting a bogey-free 68 is awesome," said Buckley. "I really made one bogey through three rounds. That was some of the best golf I've seen from myself in really ever."
Buckley capitalized on the opportunity to post a 13-under par overall (68-65-68-70 — 271) by the end of the four-day event. His first 51 holes were without a bogey hit 46 of 54 greens this week The competition slate featured a total of 144 golfers.
"It's hard to believe. To get up there and do what you know you have to do, knowing it will change your life, it's hard to put into words. It's just a lot of relief, knowing I can plan a schedule. I have a whole year no matter what and I can compete for a TOUR card."
The victory boosts Buckley from 85th to 27th in the points standings. This is his rookie season on Tour after a year on the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada in 2019.
Buckley began his Mizzou career as a walk-on and left with the lowest scoring average in program history.
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