Andy

Zhang

The 22-year-old spent his time on the Korn Ferry Tour last year but got a chance this week through Monday Qualifying. He wasted no time getting the irons dialed in, pelting all 18 greens in regulation today. The proximity of his approach shots was even more impressive as he gave himself nine scoring chances from inside of nine feet. Good for just over five strokes gained approaching-the-green. Unfortunately, he missed the putt on five of those chances from inside of nine feet, losing 2.2 strokes putting on his way around the North Course at Silverado Resort and Spa. The Florida Gator product posted just one top-40 finish on the Korn Ferry circuit last year but today’s round really highlights the kind of potential this youngster has. He will need to tidy up the putter if he wants to keep his name in the mix all week.

The 24-year-old had it on cruise control today with eight birdies and an eagle while keeping a clean card throughout his round. He lapped the field as the closest competitor turned in a score that had three strokes more. Ban had a stellar career at UNLV but arrived with six straight missed cuts in OWGR events and a 1-for-4 record in PGA TOUR events. He reached as high as 9th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings during his time at UNLV. Others to play their way into this week’s Safeway Open included Andy Zhang (-7), MJ Daffue (-6), and Luke Schniederjans (-6). The latter two had to survive a 4-for-2 playoff with Brian Davis and Alex Lee falling short in that playoff.

Zhang moved into the first-alternate position after Brandt Snedeker withdrew earlier on Monday. The 14-year-old native of China earned a spot in the field when Paul Casey withdrew later. Zhang was the first alternate from the sectional qualifier in Florida. Born on Dec. 14, 1997, he will become the youngest participant in the history of the tournament. David May is now the first alternate.