Nov. 19, 2002
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Former Santa Clara University men's golfer Sandy Horacek will make his professional golf debut this weekend at the Southern Arizona Open held at the Tucson National Golf Resort in Tucson, Ariz.
Horacek, who played on the Mission Campus from 1998-2002, enters the Southern Arizona Open after winning his final amateur tournament last weekend, the California Stroke Play Championship held at the La Purisma Golf Course in Lompoc, Calif. He also won the prestigious Stocker Cup amateur tournament held at The Preserve Club in Carmel, Calif., on October 17-20. His rounds of 69, 80, 70 and 69 were good enough for a two stroke victory at the tournament that is in its 13th-year of existence and is one of the few tournaments that awards World Amateur Ranking Player Points by Golfweek Magazine.
This weekend's Southern Arizona Open purse will be $120,000 with the champion receiving $20,000 plus an exemption into the 2003 PGA Tour Chrysler Classic Of Tucson. The 54 hole Professional event begins on Sunday, November 24th and Monday, November 25th with a cut to the low 33% of the field (68) or closest number to that percentage, with all players making the cut to receive a check. The Final round will be played on Tuesday, November 26th.
"I am very excited about turning pro this weekend," said Horacek. "My amateur career was fun, especially winning my last tournament, but I am excited about my chances and having the ability to make a living as a golfer."
"Sandy has always demonstrated two of the most important abilities necessary to be a good golfer," said Santa Clara head coach John Kennaday. "He has the ability to putt and the abilitiy to close the deal. I believe his is ready to become a professional and is very capable of succeeding. The team and I are very proud of him and wish him the very best this weekend."
During his career at Santa Clara, Horacek was the heart and soul of the Bronco team. During a span from his junior to senior years, he participated in 41 events, winning the LMU/Farmer John Classic during his junior year. He posted a career-low and team-low 74.6 stroke average during his senior year.
He also was a participant in the 2000 and 2001 U.S. Amateur Opens held at Baltusrol Golf Club and East Lake Golf Club, respectively. His stroke play in the 2001 U.S. Amateur qualified him for the match play portion of the tournament where he eventually lost in the second round.
