Brett Drewitt wasn’t nearly the most famous Australian in the field for the open qualifier for the Safeway Open, but he wound up right alongside Aaron Baddeley atop the leaderboard at Coyote Creek Golf Club (https://coyotecreekgolf.com)in San Jose.
The 27-year-old Drewitt (pictured) equaled Baddeley’s 7-under-par 65 and then will tee it up on Thursday in the opener of the 2018-19 PGA Tour season, which starts Thursday on the North Course at Silverado Resort and Spa (https://www.silveradoresort.com) in Napa.
The recently-married Drewitt and Baddeley each collected four birdies on the front nine and three on the back in their bogey-free rounds.
“Brianna was the one who suggested I do it,” said Drewitt, whose only pro victory came in the 2014 United Investment Real Estate Wuhan Open on the PGA Tour China. “The (qualifying) course is only 40 minutes from where her parents live, so I have her to thank for that.
“Things are going great in my life and I couldn’t be happier. Brianna and I also found out we’re going to be having a baby.”
Baddeley, 37, who has won four times on the PGA Tour, started the week as the second alternate for the Safeway, but didn’t wait around to see if two players would withdraw to get him into the field.
The two other qualifers at Coyote Creek were Andres Gonzales of Lakewood and Mark Anguiano of Whittier, who both shot 66.
Barely missing out were Tyler Torano of Chula Vista, Steve Allan of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Cody Blick of Alamo, who tied for fifth at 67.
For complete results, visit https://ncpga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/ncpga18/event/ncpga1878/contest/1/leaderboard.htm
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