Real McCoy: Best Amateur Pro Performance In Two Decades
/The Valspar Championship teased us as a potentially thrilling final round but continued to be just a bit too much of a parfest. With so few birdies, nasty winds and green speeds players couldn't adjust too, the biggest rush came from amateur Lee McCoy's clutch stretch play.
While the Georgia senior didn't win, playing such impressive golf on his home course at Innisbrook and finishing fourth added spice to the tournament's 2016 edition.
From Doug Ferguson's report on McCoy outperforming playing partner Jordan Spieth Sunday.
“Surreal to say the least,” McCoy said. “I’ve always dreamt of just getting a tee time here on Thursday (for the tournament). Being in contention on Sunday, playing with the No. 1 player in the world is something that didn’t cross my mind. I really had to pinch myself a few times today.”
McCoy was only the fifth amateur to finish in the top 5 on the PGA Tour since Phil Mickelson won as an Arizona State junior in 1991. His fourth-place finish was the best at a tour event with top players since 17-year-old Justin Rose tied for fourth in the 1998 British Open at Royal Birkdale. Robbie Shelton tied for third last summer in Alabama, an event held opposite the British Open.
ESPN.com's Bob Harig also featured McCoy in his coverage and had this from Spieth:
"Really special; it was really cool to watch,'' Spieth said. "We played together three, four years go in an event and we were talking about that, but I wasn't sure exactly what to expect, especially on a day like today in his hometown and it was really impressive stuff.
"You would have thought he was out here for years, working the ball both ways. The way he was talking, couldn't sense any nerves or anything on his putting stroke, either. He's certainly really ready to be out here. It was really fun to watch.''
McCoy has 36-holes to play Monday for Georgia in a college event.
McCoy made the PGA Tour's YouTube highlight page...