College Golfer With Only $350 in the Bank Denied $300,000 in PGA Tour Winnings

March 15, 2016

Amateur golfer Lee McCoy has had a wonderful weekend.

Last Sunday, the college senior from Georgia was given an opportunity against some of the world’s best golfers at the Valspar Championship, including top-ranked player Jordan Spieth.

McCoy finished with an impressive 2-under 69 to capture fourth place, the best showing by an amateur in two decades at a PGA Tour event, reported the Associated Press. However, the experience would have been more awesome for the 22-year-old if he was able to take home the prize money awarded to pro players.

As a non-pro, McCoy wasn’t eligible to take home a single penny of the $292,800 fourth place cash prize. He gladly settled though for the experience of playing with golf superstar Spieth, who is a two-time major champion.

”Surreal to say the least,” McCoy told the AP. ”I’ve always dreamt of just getting a tee time here on Thursday (for the tournament). Being in contention on Sunday, playing with the No. 1 player in the world is something that didn’t cross my mind. I really had to pinch myself a few times today.”

When a sheet was posted to show the earnings, Spieth advised him not to look but he couldn’t resist.

”I shouldn’t have looked,” McCoy said. “Lot of money. Lot of money. I think I got like $350 in my bank account right now, so it’s mostly gas money. It hurt, but there’s so much going great for me right now. I’m just trying to take it all in. Just really grateful to be standing there.”

McCoy had to make three trips into the offices of the Valspar Championship to be able to participate in the tournament. His performance at the tournament was the best showing for an amateur since 17-year-old Justin Rose tied for fourth in the 1998 British Open at Royal Birkdale.

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