SAN DIEGO -- University of San Diego junior Gunner Wiebe earned the Sponsors Exemption to participate in the 2010 San Diego Open in an 18-hole playoff over Tim Mickelson who is his golf coach at USD at Torrey Pines South golf course.
Wiebe shot a one-over-par73 in the playoff and Mickelson posted a 74. Wiebe birdied the 18th hole with a 7-foot birdie putt.
"My caddy suggested I layup from 267 yards and I took his advice. I then hit a wedge to 7 feet and made the putt. I'm so excited about this win and it was really difficult playing my coach who is great player," said Wiebe, who is the son of former PGA TOUR standout Mark Wiebe. "I can't wait to call my Dad because he's going to really be happy."
On November 21, Wiebe and Mickelson had engaged in a 4 hole playoff that ended in darkness and was resumed today due to scheduling conflicts.
Wiebe and Mickelson both shot shot 3-par scores of 69 during regulation.
The starting field consisted of 100 players, with a 0 or better handicap. This is the 26th year the Century Club of San Diego has sponsored this event that will enable one amateur player compete against 155 other professional players at Torrey Pines at the San Diego Open from January 25-31.
The San Diego Open Amateur Qualifier is filled with top local and regional amateur players with many ties to college programs.
Only three players have made the professional cut in the previous 22 years included Pat Duncan in 50th place in 1989, Steve Haase 75th place in 1989 and Charley Hoffman in 76th place in 1996.
2010 San Diego Open Amateur Qualifier Leaderboard
Name Hometown Score
*Gunner Wiebe San Diego 69
Tim Mickelson San Diego 69
Si Hwan Kim Buena Park 71
Buddy Duncan, Jr. Rancho Santa Fe 72
Gregor Main Danville 73
Shane Mason San Diego 73
Bucky Coe Encinitas 73
Rak Cho Brea 73
Matt Christensen Escondido 74
Ryan Indovina Costa Mesa 75
Michael Drake Long Beach 75
Kevin Fitzgerald Riverside 75
Tain Lee San Juan Capistrano 75
Michael Drake Long Beach 75
Taylor Travis Freemont 75
Nick Thomas Westlake Village 75
Tom Kroll Encinitas 75
*Won playoff
For further information on the Century Club of San Diego Invitational, please visit the tournament website at www.centuryclubof sandiegoinvitational.com or call 858 886-4653
