Traveling from California to Courtenay BC’s Crown Isle proved to be a successful trip for young 19 year-old Aaron Wise shot an even-par 72 to capture the medalist honours and earn (full) exempt status for the 2016 Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada season at the British Columbia Qualifying Tournament.
The sophomore at U of O (University of Oregon) finished 14-under (for the week) two shots ahead of Conrad Shindler (Dallas) and Atherton, California’s Jonathan Garrick.
Wise told the ensembled media “It feels awesome,” who mentioned that victory had eluded him in recently for the Oregon Ducks.
He started the day ahead of Shindler and Jeff Rein (San Antonio, Texas) by only four shots.
Wise did manage to play a steady round with two birdies and two bogeys on the day, giving the world’s No. 6-ranked amateur a confidence-boosting win heading into the NCAA Regional’s and Nationals.
Wise mentions that he plans to turn pro following the completion of the NCAA Championships June 1 and that will mean that he’ll miss the season-opening Freedom 55 Financial Open.
“It’s awesome, especially because I’m going to miss the first two events. To be able to build your own schedule, I can plan flights and hotels and all that in advance, which is awesome,” said Wise.
In all, 41 players earned status, including 30 Americans, seven (7) Canadians, two (2) Chileans, one (1) Scotsman and one (1) from Argentina.
Thanks to Crown Isle on being a gracious host and to the MacKenzie Tour for the info.