Monday’s qualifier, Mike Visacki, enjoys an “amazing experience” on his PGA Tour debut | Golf news

“It was a lot of fun, a lot different than releasing a mini tour. Everyone supported me this week and I appreciate that, and tomorrow I’m going to go out and record one low.”

Although the first two world players were on the field at Palm Habor, the upgrade of the championship Valspar was dominated by the qualifier on Monday Mike Visacki.

The 27-year-old American provided one of the best stories of the year when, after years of grinding on mini Tours, he finally realized his dream of qualifying for his PGA Tour debut in emotional scenes following Monday’s qualifiers.

The video of Visaki falling apart as he informed his father of his achievement went viral on social media and brought him immense respect and admiration from millions of golf fans around the world.

Many beginners would be amazed when they stepped on the first T-shirt of the terrifying Copperhead course at Innisbrook Resort. Visacki, however, defied the pressure and calmly hammered his introductory ride 334 meters down the center of the fairway.

He found a bunker with green parts, with his second to the first heel, but the sublime spray left him a birdhouse opening of a few inches. One below the pair for his PGA Tour career, and he modestly described the start as “quite special”.

“It was great. I thought I was going to be a little more nervous than I was, but I felt calm, I had a good warm-up and streaked one in the middle.”

The fairytale start was offset by the harsh reality of the competition at the highest level, as he knocked out the next three holes, although he measured himself with a good series of parses before starting the last nine with another missed shot.

Visacki kicked his 12-meter shot at a ticklish thirteen-meter 188-meter dash and turned into a birdie, only to fight back, but managed to parry home for a commendable three over 74 – the same result as former US Open champions Justin Rose and Graeme McDowell.

“It was a lot of fun, a lot different than playing a mini tour,” the humble Visacki said afterwards. “It was an amazing experience.”

Visacki managed to draw the biggest galleries he had ever seen in his professional career, and he felt good about his chances of falling on Friday and earning himself the chance to play 36 holes over the weekend.

“It meant the world,” he added. “I play a lot with the people who followed me, so it’s amazing to have their support all this week.

“Everyone has supported me so much this week and I appreciate that, and tomorrow I’m going to go out and shoot a low, make as many birds as possible.

“This week will teach me a lot about what I need to work on and what I can do to get better so I can come here and compete full time.

“I’ve made sure I get enough rest, because it’s going to be a long few days, so I just have to make sure I’m mentally prepared and just living my dream.”